Sebastian Vettel topped the times ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace ahead of Red Bull in Friday morning's opening free practice at this weekend's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix.&nbsp;

The four-time world champion clocked a best lap in one minute and 44.574 seconds to outpace Leclerc by two-tenths of a second, a performance that supported Italian hopes that their team can enjoy success on the high-speed Ardennes circuit.&nbsp;

In front of thousands of his 'orange army' of Dutch supporters, Max Verstappen was third, just under a second adrift of the lead and less than one-tenth of a second ahead of his new Red Bull team-mate Alex Albon, who was making his debut with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso.

Valtteri Bottas, who celebrated his 30th birthday this week with confirmation of a Mercedes contract extension for 2020, was fifth ahead of championship leader and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

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CLASSIFICATION - END OF FP2 
 
Another 1-2 for <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScuderiaFerrari</a> - but this time it's <a href="https://twitter.com/Charles_Leclerc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Charles_Leclerc</a> on top 
 
Hat-tip to <a href="https://twitter.com/SChecoPerez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SChecoPerez</a> - although his session ends with what looked like overheating issues<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelgianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelgianGP</a> 🇧🇪 <a href="https://t.co/aJdlW8CWsH">pic.twitter.com/aJdlW8CWsH</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1167445762243989504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both men were running Mercedes' upgraded power-unit for the first time, and Hamilton struggled with various issues including a throttle pedal problem and over-heating tyres in a frustrating session that saw him returning to the pits at regular intervals for adjustments and minor repairs.

Canadian Lance Stroll was seventh for Racing Point ahead of Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, Sergio Perez in the second Racing Point and Carlos Sainz of McLaren.

The session was run in mild and dry conditions with few interruptions apart from a brief use of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) after the engine cover flew off Stroll's car on the Kemmel Straight and a spin for Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat.

Sebastian Vettel topped the times ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace ahead of Red Bull in Friday morning's opening free practice at this weekend's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel topped the times ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace ahead of Red Bull in Friday morning's opening free practice at this weekend's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. The four-time world champion clocked a best lap in one minute and 44.574 seconds to outpace Leclerc by two-tenths of a second, a performance that supported Italian hopes that their team can enjoy success on the high-speed Ardennes circuit. In front of thousands of his 'orange army' of Dutch supporters, Max Verstappen was third, just under a second adrift of the lead and less than one-tenth of a second ahead of his new Red Bull team-mate Alex Albon, who was making his debut with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso. Valtteri Bottas, who celebrated his 30th birthday this week with confirmation of a Mercedes contract extension for 2020, was fifth ahead of championship leader and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton. CLASSIFICATION - END OF FP2 Another 1-2 for @ScuderiaFerrari - but this time it's @Charles_Leclerc on top Hat-tip to @SChecoPerez - although his session ends with what looked like overheating issues#F1 #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/aJdlW8CWsH — Formula 1 (@F1) August 30, 2019 × Both men were running Mercedes' upgraded power-unit for the first time, and Hamilton struggled with various issues including a throttle pedal problem and over-heating tyres in a frustrating session that saw him returning to the pits at regular intervals for adjustments and minor repairs. Canadian Lance Stroll was seventh for Racing Point ahead of Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, Sergio Perez in the second Racing Point and Carlos Sainz of McLaren. The session was run in mild and dry conditions with few interruptions apart from a brief use of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) after the engine cover flew off Stroll's car on the Kemmel Straight and a spin for Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat.

Vettel leads the way as Ferrari dominate opening practice in Belgium

Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/red-bulls-max-verstappen-wins-chaotic-german-grand-prix-239045">chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix</a>.

Wolff, wearing braces and 'baggies' as part of champions Mercedes' decision to revert to 'retro' 1950s outfits in celebration of 125 years of motorsport, said the team was not prepared and made the "wrong calls".

The Austrian team boss seemed frustrated and angry that the team were distracted from their jobs by a need to dress in old overalls and flat caps.

Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the season for Red Bull, making five pit-stops on the way, to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-epic-rain-lashed-and-wildly-spectacular-german-gp-239075">Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP</a>

Defending five-time champion Hamilton, who had been feeling poorly with a sore throat, finished 11th after two mistakes and six pit-stops while Bottas crashed out in the closing laps.

It was the team's 200th Formula One race start as a constructor, another cause for their celebrations in advance at their home race where their parent company was the event's main sponsor.

"Many drivers crashed," said Wolff. "Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, for the drivers, it was a bad day, it cannot go much worse.

"This shows that you shouldn't fool around with the staff. You should concentrate on the job. We are not superstitious, but we believe in karma and it's a day to learn."

He added: "I think we had a decent start with good pace. Then you had incidents, crashing out in tricky conditions, the wrong calls."

Asked about Hamilton's crash and pit-stop, he said: "It was unfortunate, crashing right at the entry of the pit lane.&nbsp; You are not prepared. We made the wrong calls afterwards -- it was all coming together.

"Many others made the same mistake. Leclerc crashed and many others crashed."

Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time in 23 outings for Mercedes.

He said: "It was my worst day in the office for a long, long time. You live and you learn. I don't know what happened today, but I'm glad its over and there are more races ahead so we can focus on regrouping and coming back strong."

He accepted his share of the blame for the team’s worst result since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the first lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen won on his debut with Red Bull.&nbsp;

"Me hitting the wall not helpful and them putting on the slick tyres not helpful either," he said.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix. Wolff, wearing braces and 'baggies' as part of champions Mercedes' decision to revert to 'retro' 1950s outfits in celebration of 125 years of motorsport, said the team was not prepared and made the "wrong calls". The Austrian team boss seemed frustrated and angry that the team were distracted from their jobs by a need to dress in old overalls and flat caps. Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the season for Red Bull, making five pit-stops on the way, to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso. In pics: Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP Defending five-time champion Hamilton, who had been feeling poorly with a sore throat, finished 11th after two mistakes and six pit-stops while Bottas crashed out in the closing laps. It was the team's 200th Formula One race start as a constructor, another cause for their celebrations in advance at their home race where their parent company was the event's main sponsor. "Many drivers crashed," said Wolff. "Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, for the drivers, it was a bad day, it cannot go much worse. "This shows that you shouldn't fool around with the staff. You should concentrate on the job. We are not superstitious, but we believe in karma and it's a day to learn." He added: "I think we had a decent start with good pace. Then you had incidents, crashing out in tricky conditions, the wrong calls." Asked about Hamilton's crash and pit-stop, he said: "It was unfortunate, crashing right at the entry of the pit lane. You are not prepared. We made the wrong calls afterwards -- it was all coming together. "Many others made the same mistake. Leclerc crashed and many others crashed." Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time in 23 outings for Mercedes. He said: "It was my worst day in the office for a long, long time. You live and you learn. I don't know what happened today, but I'm glad its over and there are more races ahead so we can focus on regrouping and coming back strong." He accepted his share of the blame for the team’s worst result since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the first lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen won on his debut with Red Bull. "Me hitting the wall not helpful and them putting on the slick tyres not helpful either," he said.

'It was karma': Mercedes boss rages after German GP flop

Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Friday afternoon's sweltering and crash-hit second free practice for the German Grand Prix.

In a session that suggested the Italian team's determination to recover competitive form was paying off, Leclerc was quickest in one minute and 13.449 seconds, outpacing the four-time champion by 0.124 seconds.

Vettel enjoyed his return to home soil and topped the morning session to the delight of German fans and his father Norbert who was supporting from the Ferrari pits.

Series leader and defending five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.146 off the pace set by the Monegasque driver, but half a second ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/know-why-mercedes-are-painted-different-for-german-grand-prix-238605">Mercedes</a> team-mate Valtteri Bottas in fourth.

Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Lance Stroll of Force India and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo with Nico Hulkenberg ninth for Renault and Sergio Perez 10th in the second Force India.

Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Pierre Gasly was unable to clock a soft-compound time at the end of the session after crashing.

On a very hot afternoon, with an air temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and a track temperature of 50, Ferrari found the conditions to their liking again. Vettel topped the times in the morning and Leclerc in the afternoon, while Mercedes appeared to be keeping some performance in reserve.

But it was a disappointing day for Frenchman Gasly who, after an encouraging run in opening practice, lost control of his Red Bull in the final minutes of the afternoon session at the final corner and hit the barriers on the outside. The impact damaged the left side of his car, but he was unhurt.

"I lost it," he told the team, a blow to his fragile confidence only two weeks after his best result, fourth, at the British Grand Prix. Replays showed that the rear of his vehicle lurched away from him as he accelerated on exit from the corner.

The session was red-flagged for seven minutes and resumed with nine remaining.

Hulkenberg, hoping to retain his seat at Renault in 2020, lost power and pitted immediately while Leclerc requested a check on his Ferrari's brakes as the action continued. The team confirmed all was well.

"It is difficult to judge anything," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "It is so hot it affects everyone. As far as engine cooling goes, we are OK here – Ferrari have looked very strong going through the corners..."&nbsp;

Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Friday afternoon's sweltering and crash-hit second free practice for the German Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Friday afternoon's sweltering and crash-hit second free practice for the German Grand Prix. In a session that suggested the Italian team's determination to recover competitive form was paying off, Leclerc was quickest in one minute and 13.449 seconds, outpacing the four-time champion by 0.124 seconds. Vettel enjoyed his return to home soil and topped the morning session to the delight of German fans and his father Norbert who was supporting from the Ferrari pits. Series leader and defending five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.146 off the pace set by the Monegasque driver, but half a second ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in fourth. Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Lance Stroll of Force India and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo with Nico Hulkenberg ninth for Renault and Sergio Perez 10th in the second Force India. Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Pierre Gasly was unable to clock a soft-compound time at the end of the session after crashing. On a very hot afternoon, with an air temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and a track temperature of 50, Ferrari found the conditions to their liking again. Vettel topped the times in the morning and Leclerc in the afternoon, while Mercedes appeared to be keeping some performance in reserve. But it was a disappointing day for Frenchman Gasly who, after an encouraging run in opening practice, lost control of his Red Bull in the final minutes of the afternoon session at the final corner and hit the barriers on the outside. The impact damaged the left side of his car, but he was unhurt. "I lost it," he told the team, a blow to his fragile confidence only two weeks after his best result, fourth, at the British Grand Prix. Replays showed that the rear of his vehicle lurched away from him as he accelerated on exit from the corner. The session was red-flagged for seven minutes and resumed with nine remaining. Hulkenberg, hoping to retain his seat at Renault in 2020, lost power and pitted immediately while Leclerc requested a check on his Ferrari's brakes as the action continued. The team confirmed all was well. "It is difficult to judge anything," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "It is so hot it affects everyone. As far as engine cooling goes, we are OK here – Ferrari have looked very strong going through the corners..."

German Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc on top with Sebastian Vettel as Ferrari shine during practice

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-record-sixth-british-gp-extends-f1-lead-235888"> British Grand Prix</a>, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish.

Ferrari driver Vettel drove into the back of Verstappen's Red Bull after the Dutchman had passed him. Both cars spun off into the gravel before rejoining the race.

"Well, it was my mistake," said Vettel, who climbed out of his car at the end of the race and went to speak to Verstappen. He leaned into the Red Bull car's cockpit, shook hands and apologised.

"Obviously, he passed me and then ran a bit wide, which gave me the chance to come back," said Vettel.

"Then, it looked for a second that he was going to the right and there would be a gap to the left, which didn't open -- and by that time it was too late and I crashed."

Vettel had to pit for a new nose for his Ferrari car while Verstappen re-joined the fray and finished fifth, missing out on a possible podium finish.

Vettel was given a 10-seconds penalty and two penalty points by the stewards for the crash on lap 37 of the 52-laps race.

"I spoke to him, he apologised immediately after he got out of the car, so that's it," said the Dutchman. "You can't change your line."

He added that he had also enjoyed his earlier battle with Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.

"They were really good," he said. "I think he was a little bit sore from Austria so he was defending really hard.

"But it's fine. I'm all for that. Of course, I didn't want to take much risk in those battles to damage the car because I knew we were quite a bit faster.&nbsp;

"I needed to pick my moment, but luckily the team did it for me with a good strategy and then it was looking good for a good result."&nbsp;

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's British Grand Prix, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish.

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's British Grand Prix, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish. Ferrari driver Vettel drove into the back of Verstappen's Red Bull after the Dutchman had passed him. Both cars spun off into the gravel before rejoining the race. "Well, it was my mistake," said Vettel, who climbed out of his car at the end of the race and went to speak to Verstappen. He leaned into the Red Bull car's cockpit, shook hands and apologised. "Obviously, he passed me and then ran a bit wide, which gave me the chance to come back," said Vettel. "Then, it looked for a second that he was going to the right and there would be a gap to the left, which didn't open -- and by that time it was too late and I crashed." Vettel had to pit for a new nose for his Ferrari car while Verstappen re-joined the fray and finished fifth, missing out on a possible podium finish. Vettel was given a 10-seconds penalty and two penalty points by the stewards for the crash on lap 37 of the 52-laps race. "I spoke to him, he apologised immediately after he got out of the car, so that's it," said the Dutchman. "You can't change your line." He added that he had also enjoyed his earlier battle with Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. "They were really good," he said. "I think he was a little bit sore from Austria so he was defending really hard. "But it's fine. I'm all for that. Of course, I didn't want to take much risk in those battles to damage the car because I knew we were quite a bit faster. "I needed to pick my moment, but luckily the team did it for me with a good strategy and then it was looking good for a good result."

Sebastian Vettel apologises to Max Verstappen, admits mistake

Sebastian Vettel took the Formula One lead from Lewis Hamilton at last year's Austrian Grand Prix but the Ferrari driver has now fallen so far behind there can be no repeat at Spielberg this weekend.

After eight races, Ferrari's German lags his Mercedes rival by 76 points and cannot catch up until August, even if <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-controversial-win-in-canada-after-sebastian-vettel-penalty-225869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWg4qXl4njAhUPUN4KHTJsCSEQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0rvE6UNqpmzUCXgcOd2HXv">Hamilton </a>had three retirements in a row -- unlikely for a man with only one since 2016.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferrari-plan-appeal-after-sebastian-vettel-second-place-canada-furore-226060&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWg4qXl4njAhUPUN4KHTJsCSEQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2n4KwJF91EpL0BX_d4cHa3">Vettel</a>, who won all four of his world championships with Red Bull, has gone 16 races without a victory and made some costly errors, while Hamilton has won 14 of the last 20.

Questions have increasingly been asked about Vettel's performance under pressure while Hamilton speeds towards a sixth championship.

Australian Mark Webber, now-retired former Red Bull teammate, feels Vettel still has what it takes but needs better support and more ammunition from the oldest and most glamorous team.

"I think he needs a couple more lieutenants, he needs to have less responsibility in the team and just more reassurance that the Monday to Friday stuff is going to be dealt with," he told Reuters.

"Seb’s still has got it, but it’s a real challenge to stay ahead against a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-french-grand-prix-in-mercedes-one-two-229814&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOt-PGl4njAhWIYysKHduoDYgQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3S5-99uIdLXt5MPirOGswY">Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton</a> factor week in and week out,"&nbsp;Webber said.

Vettel is third overall, and best of the rest behind the Mercedes drivers, with teammate Charles Leclerc fifth and 24 points further adrift.

Formula One's most successful team have not won any title since 2008.

"I don't find the challenge now different to last year or the years before. We are in a better place than maybe 2015 and 2016 so I think 2017 and '18 have been a clear step in the right direction," Vettel said in France last Sunday.

"It's true that last year at this point we were more competitive but it is what it is now...what is important is to look back at these races and understand what we need to do better. I love racing, nothing has changed about that,"&nbsp;Vettel said.

TALK OF TESTING

This year's car was the talk of pre-season testing with its straight-line pace in Barcelona but is losing time overall to Mercedes through the corners. Correcting the problems will take time.

Ferrari should still have won in Bahrain but an engine problem thwarted <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-ferraris-charles-leclerc-and-hopes-for-great-future-battles-207238&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOt-PGl4njAhWIYysKHduoDYgQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2K0OzYc1vGZf0yf_mQVuAx">Leclerc </a>while leading from pole.

In Canada, Vettel also led from pole but ended up a controversial second after a time penalty for going off and rejoining in an unsafe fashion.

The German has been wearing the red overalls since 2015, dreaming of emulating great compatriot and idol Michael Schumacher, but the magic is wearing thin even as Leclerc's popularity grows.

The scrutiny, as ever, is intense and unsparing.

"Red Bull is like a Formula Three team compared to Ferrari. With Ferrari, there’s an article every day in the Gazzetta Dello Sport. It’s a religion there and being a driver is not easy," said Webber.

"If you look at when Ferrari executed the best, we go back to when it was Ross (Brawn) and Jean (Todt)," he said, referring to the golden years at the start of the century when Ferrari won six successive constructors' titles under foreign bosses. They had a big mix of culture and I think that's still a bit of a missing link,"&nbsp;Webber said.

So too is qualifying and single lap pace, with Vettel dangerous when starting off the front row but more vulnerable further back.

"Lewis is going to win the championship and Mercedes are going to win the constructors’ (title), it’s obvious. Mercedes are just too strong," said Webber.

"Ferrari just have not got enough bullets. It’s like a football team, Mercedes just keep getting a result. Ferrari need everything to line up,"&nbsp;Webber added.

Sebastian Vettel took the Formula One lead from Lewis Hamilton at last year's Austrian Grand Prix but the Ferrari driver has now fallen so far behind there can be no repeat at Spielberg this weekend.

Sebastian Vettel took the Formula One lead from Lewis Hamilton at last year's Austrian Grand Prix but the Ferrari driver has now fallen so far behind there can be no repeat at Spielberg this weekend. After eight races, Ferrari's German lags his Mercedes rival by 76 points and cannot catch up until August, even if Hamilton had three retirements in a row -- unlikely for a man with only one since 2016. Vettel, who won all four of his world championships with Red Bull, has gone 16 races without a victory and made some costly errors, while Hamilton has won 14 of the last 20. Questions have increasingly been asked about Vettel's performance under pressure while Hamilton speeds towards a sixth championship. Australian Mark Webber, now-retired former Red Bull teammate, feels Vettel still has what it takes but needs better support and more ammunition from the oldest and most glamorous team. "I think he needs a couple more lieutenants, he needs to have less responsibility in the team and just more reassurance that the Monday to Friday stuff is going to be dealt with," he told Reuters. "Seb’s still has got it, but it’s a real challenge to stay ahead against a Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton factor week in and week out," Webber said. Vettel is third overall, and best of the rest behind the Mercedes drivers, with teammate Charles Leclerc fifth and 24 points further adrift. Formula One's most successful team have not won any title since 2008. "I don't find the challenge now different to last year or the years before. We are in a better place than maybe 2015 and 2016 so I think 2017 and '18 have been a clear step in the right direction," Vettel said in France last Sunday. "It's true that last year at this point we were more competitive but it is what it is now...what is important is to look back at these races and understand what we need to do better. I love racing, nothing has changed about that," Vettel said. TALK OF TESTING This year's car was the talk of pre-season testing with its straight-line pace in Barcelona but is losing time overall to Mercedes through the corners. Correcting the problems will take time. Ferrari should still have won in Bahrain but an engine problem thwarted Leclerc while leading from pole. In Canada, Vettel also led from pole but ended up a controversial second after a time penalty for going off and rejoining in an unsafe fashion. The German has been wearing the red overalls since 2015, dreaming of emulating great compatriot and idol Michael Schumacher, but the magic is wearing thin even as Leclerc's popularity grows. The scrutiny, as ever, is intense and unsparing. "Red Bull is like a Formula Three team compared to Ferrari. With Ferrari, there’s an article every day in the Gazzetta Dello Sport. It’s a religion there and being a driver is not easy," said Webber. "If you look at when Ferrari executed the best, we go back to when it was Ross (Brawn) and Jean (Todt)," he said, referring to the golden years at the start of the century when Ferrari won six successive constructors' titles under foreign bosses. They had a big mix of culture and I think that's still a bit of a missing link," Webber said. So too is qualifying and single lap pace, with Vettel dangerous when starting off the front row but more vulnerable further back. "Lewis is going to win the championship and Mercedes are going to win the constructors’ (title), it’s obvious. Mercedes are just too strong," said Webber. "Ferrari just have not got enough bullets. It’s like a football team, Mercedes just keep getting a result. Ferrari need everything to line up," Webber added.

Sebastian Vettel still has what it takes at Ferrari, says Mark Webber

Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion on Saturday.

The Formula One world championship leader was 0.286 seconds quicker than team mate Valtteri Bottas.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified third with team mate Sebastian Vettel a distant seventh on a distinctly off day for the German.

The pole, in a time of one minute 28.319 seconds, was a record-extending 86th of Hamilton's career and his third of the season.

"I'm happy that I got the potential out of the car, the team did a fantastic job," said five-times world champion Hamilton, last year's winner from pole at Le Castellet's Paul Ricard circuit.

"We've just been chipping away at improving the set-up of the car," added the Briton, who is 29 points clear of Bottas after seven races -- all won by the pair. Hamilton also triumphed in the last two of 2018.

Bottas was fastest in the second phase of qualifying but could not match Hamilton's sizzling pace when it mattered in the final shoot-out.

"The wind changed direction and there was a couple of corners my line didn't work and I had to work it out but Lewis had a better lap," said the Finn.

Mercedes have looked to be in a class of their own all weekend, with Hamilton or Bottas fastest in every practice session with Leclerc, rather than Vettel, consistently the best of the rest.

Vettel struggled, backing out of his first hot lap and then failing to string together all the sectors smoothly on his second attempt.

"I don't know what happened, I lost so much momentum there was no point to finish that lap," said the German, who starts behind the Renault-powered McLarens of British rookie Lando Norris (fifth) and Spaniard Carlos Sainz (sixth).

"Some laps it felt good and others it didn't. I didn't get the best out of the car but it was difficult for me, but some laps I didn't have he grip I had before."

Vettel's time of 1:29.799 was eighth tenths of a second slower than Leclerc's best.

Leclerc, who starts with Red Bull's Max Verstappen alongside, asked the team over the radio to get Vettel to speed up but the Monegasque said his lap had not been compromised.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo starts eighth for Renault and Red Bull's Pierre Gasly lines up ninth for his home race with Italian Antonio Giovinazzi 10th for Alfa Romeo.

Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion on Saturday.

Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion on Saturday. The Formula One world championship leader was 0.286 seconds quicker than team mate Valtteri Bottas. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified third with team mate Sebastian Vettel a distant seventh on a distinctly off day for the German. The pole, in a time of one minute 28.319 seconds, was a record-extending 86th of Hamilton's career and his third of the season. "I'm happy that I got the potential out of the car, the team did a fantastic job," said five-times world champion Hamilton, last year's winner from pole at Le Castellet's Paul Ricard circuit. "We've just been chipping away at improving the set-up of the car," added the Briton, who is 29 points clear of Bottas after seven races -- all won by the pair. Hamilton also triumphed in the last two of 2018. Bottas was fastest in the second phase of qualifying but could not match Hamilton's sizzling pace when it mattered in the final shoot-out. "The wind changed direction and there was a couple of corners my line didn't work and I had to work it out but Lewis had a better lap," said the Finn. Mercedes have looked to be in a class of their own all weekend, with Hamilton or Bottas fastest in every practice session with Leclerc, rather than Vettel, consistently the best of the rest. Vettel struggled, backing out of his first hot lap and then failing to string together all the sectors smoothly on his second attempt. "I don't know what happened, I lost so much momentum there was no point to finish that lap," said the German, who starts behind the Renault-powered McLarens of British rookie Lando Norris (fifth) and Spaniard Carlos Sainz (sixth). "Some laps it felt good and others it didn't. I didn't get the best out of the car but it was difficult for me, but some laps I didn't have he grip I had before." Vettel's time of 1:29.799 was eighth tenths of a second slower than Leclerc's best. Leclerc, who starts with Red Bull's Max Verstappen alongside, asked the team over the radio to get Vettel to speed up but the Monegasque said his lap had not been compromised. Australian Daniel Ricciardo starts eighth for Renault and Red Bull's Pierre Gasly lines up ninth for his home race with Italian Antonio Giovinazzi 10th for Alfa Romeo.

French Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on pole, Sebastian Vettel only seventh

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-ferraris-charles-leclerc-and-hopes-for-great-future-battles-207238&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3DqGKeaHE4jbbB4DsbaG2U">Charles Leclerc</a> the best of the rest.

Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds.

Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five-second time penalty that handed the win to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-monaco-grand-prix-in-the-spirit-of-lauda-221832&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DBehZbnKFQEZTCqYlbjz2">Hamilton</a>, was more than a second slower than the Briton.

Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session.

The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade.

French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas.

Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence.

Five-times world champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-snatches-dramatic-monaco-gp-pole-with-record-lap-221607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hiWopdDkNqidBvr3RSdh6">Hamilton </a>leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest. Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds. Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five-second time penalty that handed the win to Hamilton, was more than a second slower than the Briton. Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session. The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade. French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas. Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence. Five-times world champion Hamilton leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

Lewis Hamilton fastest in first French Grand Prix practice

Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes in controversial fashion on Sunday after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line first but was given a five-second penalty.

Vettel, who started from pole, took the chequered flag ahead of Hamilton but there was no celebration in the Ferrari garage as the furious German was demoted to second after being slapped with the penalty for a dangerous re-entry after running off the track.

Under pressure from Hamilton, Vettel threw away the race on lap 48 when he went too hard into the turn-three chicane and ran on to the grass, returning to the circuit just ahead of the Briton who was forced to brake sharply or face being pushed into the wall.

The race continued with the incident under investigation and a few laps later when Vettel was told of the decision the four-time world champion exploded, venting his anger over the team radio.

"I had nowhere to go. Seriously, I had nowhere to go," fumed Vettel. "They are stealing the race from us.

"No, no, no, no, no, no," continued Vettel. "Seriously, you need to be an absolute blind man to let him pass and not control your car -- where am I supposed to go?

"This is a wrong world, this is not fair."

At the same time, Mercedes were telling Hamilton to just "stay in Vettel's gearbox" and take a gifted victory.

"Not the way I wanted to win," said Hamilton, after collecting his fifth win of the season and equalling Michael Schumacher's Canadian record of seven victories on the island circuit.

The victory, sweet or not, boosted Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' standings to 162 points, 29 clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas and 62 ahead of Vettel.

Mercedes also padded out their advantage in the constructors' standings to 295 with Ferrari on 172.

Mercedes extend dominant streak

With the exception of Mercedes, few in the huge crowd seemed happy with the outcome, loudly booing Hamilton during the winners' ceremony which seemed to catch the Briton off-guard.

"All I can say is I didn't make the decision firstly so I don't know who they are booing at, maybe the decision," said Hamilton, who tried to have Vettel join him on the top step of the podium.

The decision to penalise Vettel allowed Mercedes to extend their season-long domination, making it seven wins in seven races, including five in one-two formation.

Bottas finished fourth and unhappy Ferrari took the other two places on the podium, Vettel in second and Charles Leclerc third.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who had a disappointing qualifying and started 11th, worked his way up to a fifth-place result while Renault enjoy their best race of the season with Daniel Ricciardo taking sixth and Nico Hulkenberg seventh.

Lance Stroll also put on a bit of show for the home fans, the Canadian coming home ninth to match his best result of the season for Racing Point.

Vettel made it clear later that he was not directing his anger at Hamilton but reserved all his venom for the stewards.

"People shouldn't boo at Lewis because you saw what was going on; I don't think there was any intention to be in harm's way," said Vettel. "I had trouble to stay on track but the people shouldn't boo at Lewis; if anything they should boo these funny decisions."

More trouble could be heading the German's way with fines and penalties for missing the post-race weigh-in and parc ferme.

While the race ended with the result Mercedes wanted it was nonetheless a fraught weekend for the Silver Arrows with Hamilton crashing in second practice on Friday and emergency repairs on Sunday hours and even minutes before the race.

In a late scramble the team were forced to take apart the car and rebuild it after discovering a hydraulic leak, finishing repairs about eight minutes before the pit lane opened.

If that was not enough, there was an issue just before Hamilton was about to step into the cockpit with the team quickly bleeding the brakes on his Mercedes because they were too soft.

Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes in controversial fashion on Sunday after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line first but was given a five-second penalty.

Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes in controversial fashion on Sunday after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line first but was given a five-second penalty. Vettel, who started from pole, took the chequered flag ahead of Hamilton but there was no celebration in the Ferrari garage as the furious German was demoted to second after being slapped with the penalty for a dangerous re-entry after running off the track. Under pressure from Hamilton, Vettel threw away the race on lap 48 when he went too hard into the turn-three chicane and ran on to the grass, returning to the circuit just ahead of the Briton who was forced to brake sharply or face being pushed into the wall. The race continued with the incident under investigation and a few laps later when Vettel was told of the decision the four-time world champion exploded, venting his anger over the team radio. "I had nowhere to go. Seriously, I had nowhere to go," fumed Vettel. "They are stealing the race from us. "No, no, no, no, no, no," continued Vettel. "Seriously, you need to be an absolute blind man to let him pass and not control your car -- where am I supposed to go? "This is a wrong world, this is not fair." At the same time, Mercedes were telling Hamilton to just "stay in Vettel's gearbox" and take a gifted victory. "Not the way I wanted to win," said Hamilton, after collecting his fifth win of the season and equalling Michael Schumacher's Canadian record of seven victories on the island circuit. The victory, sweet or not, boosted Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' standings to 162 points, 29 clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas and 62 ahead of Vettel. Mercedes also padded out their advantage in the constructors' standings to 295 with Ferrari on 172. Mercedes extend dominant streak With the exception of Mercedes, few in the huge crowd seemed happy with the outcome, loudly booing Hamilton during the winners' ceremony which seemed to catch the Briton off-guard. "All I can say is I didn't make the decision firstly so I don't know who they are booing at, maybe the decision," said Hamilton, who tried to have Vettel join him on the top step of the podium. The decision to penalise Vettel allowed Mercedes to extend their season-long domination, making it seven wins in seven races, including five in one-two formation. Bottas finished fourth and unhappy Ferrari took the other two places on the podium, Vettel in second and Charles Leclerc third. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who had a disappointing qualifying and started 11th, worked his way up to a fifth-place result while Renault enjoy their best race of the season with Daniel Ricciardo taking sixth and Nico Hulkenberg seventh. Lance Stroll also put on a bit of show for the home fans, the Canadian coming home ninth to match his best result of the season for Racing Point. Vettel made it clear later that he was not directing his anger at Hamilton but reserved all his venom for the stewards. "People shouldn't boo at Lewis because you saw what was going on; I don't think there was any intention to be in harm's way," said Vettel. "I had trouble to stay on track but the people shouldn't boo at Lewis; if anything they should boo these funny decisions." More trouble could be heading the German's way with fines and penalties for missing the post-race weigh-in and parc ferme. While the race ended with the result Mercedes wanted it was nonetheless a fraught weekend for the Silver Arrows with Hamilton crashing in second practice on Friday and emergency repairs on Sunday hours and even minutes before the race. In a late scramble the team were forced to take apart the car and rebuild it after discovering a hydraulic leak, finishing repairs about eight minutes before the pit lane opened. If that was not enough, there was an issue just before Hamilton was about to step into the cockpit with the team quickly bleeding the brakes on his Mercedes because they were too soft.

Lewis Hamilton takes controversial win in Canada after Sebastian Vettel penalty

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-controversial-win-in-canada-after-sebastian-vettel-penalty-225869">the controversial five-second time penalty</a> that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix.

In a move that requires the Italian team formally to support their decision with new evidence within 96 hours, Ferrari kept alive the controversy that followed the stewards' mid-race penalty and resulted in a petulant demonstration of his fury afterwards by the German driver.

Vettel was punished for making an unsafe re-entry to the action after 48 laps after running off track and across a strip of grass, his move squeezing Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes towards a wall and blocking him from trying to take the lead.

Vettel went on to win the race 'on the road', but after his time penalty was applied he dropped to second and Hamilton claimed a record-equalling seventh victory in Canada.

In his annoyance, Vettel launched a tirade against the race stewards, stormed away from the immediate post-race interviews, moved a number two sign from his car to Hamilton's vehicle and declared the race had been stolen from him and Ferrari.

His team chief Mattia Binotto remained calm, but defiant, saying "we won the race."

Ferrari later notified the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) of their intentions and now have until Thursday to supply fresh evidence.

'I would do the same'

Hamilton, who made clear Vettel's re-entry was dangerous, later admitted if their positions had been reversed, he would have done the same.

"I watched the replay," he said.&nbsp;

"It was obviously very close. If I was in the lead and I made a mistake and went wide, I probably would have done the same thing because it happened so quick and you're just trying to hold your position," he added.

"When I say I would do the same, I would try to squeeze him too. That's ultimately what happened."

Hamilton, however, defended the existence of the rule which led to the penalty.

"Say you didn't have that rule. I would have kept it lit and we would have crashed. So, one way or not, it was going to go badly," he said.

He said Vettel's move to squeeze his attack was understandable.

"It's a natural instinct that you have. You're not going to go 'actually, I better pull to the left and let everybody go by'. He did block me, but, unfortunately, he went off-track," he said.

"Ferrari were so strong this weekend – a really formidable force.

"We were lucky to be in the battle with them because they could have had a one-two if they had a front row, for example, but, luckily, I was able to stop that."

Hamilton also rejected suggestions comparing Vettel's mishap to the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, where he was handed a post-race time penalty that gave a race win to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the last incident of this type to decide a race.

"It was a lot different, but I do understand what it's like to lose a race and it's definitely not the way you want to win," he said.

It was the 12th time a driver who ‘won’ a Grand Prix race was stripped of victory.

Hamilton’s fifth win of the season and third in succession was also the 78th of his career and lifted him 29 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race.

Bottas finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, the first time this season Mercedes had failed to finish with both drivers on the podium. Bottas, however, did clock the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal the controversial five-second time penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal the controversial five-second time penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix. In a move that requires the Italian team formally to support their decision with new evidence within 96 hours, Ferrari kept alive the controversy that followed the stewards' mid-race penalty and resulted in a petulant demonstration of his fury afterwards by the German driver. Vettel was punished for making an unsafe re-entry to the action after 48 laps after running off track and across a strip of grass, his move squeezing Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes towards a wall and blocking him from trying to take the lead. Vettel went on to win the race 'on the road', but after his time penalty was applied he dropped to second and Hamilton claimed a record-equalling seventh victory in Canada. In his annoyance, Vettel launched a tirade against the race stewards, stormed away from the immediate post-race interviews, moved a number two sign from his car to Hamilton's vehicle and declared the race had been stolen from him and Ferrari. His team chief Mattia Binotto remained calm, but defiant, saying "we won the race." Ferrari later notified the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) of their intentions and now have until Thursday to supply fresh evidence. 'I would do the same' Hamilton, who made clear Vettel's re-entry was dangerous, later admitted if their positions had been reversed, he would have done the same. "I watched the replay," he said. "It was obviously very close. If I was in the lead and I made a mistake and went wide, I probably would have done the same thing because it happened so quick and you're just trying to hold your position," he added. "When I say I would do the same, I would try to squeeze him too. That's ultimately what happened." Hamilton, however, defended the existence of the rule which led to the penalty. "Say you didn't have that rule. I would have kept it lit and we would have crashed. So, one way or not, it was going to go badly," he said. He said Vettel's move to squeeze his attack was understandable. "It's a natural instinct that you have. You're not going to go 'actually, I better pull to the left and let everybody go by'. He did block me, but, unfortunately, he went off-track," he said. "Ferrari were so strong this weekend – a really formidable force. "We were lucky to be in the battle with them because they could have had a one-two if they had a front row, for example, but, luckily, I was able to stop that." Hamilton also rejected suggestions comparing Vettel's mishap to the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, where he was handed a post-race time penalty that gave a race win to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the last incident of this type to decide a race. "It was a lot different, but I do understand what it's like to lose a race and it's definitely not the way you want to win," he said. It was the 12th time a driver who ‘won’ a Grand Prix race was stripped of victory. Hamilton’s fifth win of the season and third in succession was also the 78th of his career and lifted him 29 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race. Bottas finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, the first time this season Mercedes had failed to finish with both drivers on the podium. Bottas, however, did clock the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.

Ferrari plan appeal after Sebastian Vettel second-place Canada furore

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap.

Vettel, who won from pole position last year in Canada to revive Ferrari's title hopes, will be hoping for the same on Sunday with world championship leader Hamilton, chasing a record equalling seventh win in Montreal, starting alongside him.

It was the German's first pole in 17 races and 56th of his career.

Vettel's teammate Charles LeClerc will start third and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a surprise fourth for his best qualifying effort of the season.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly grabbed fifth on the grid and will start alongside the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who could do no better than sixth after an early spin in the final session sent the Finn to the pits.

The importance of the pole was not lost on an emotional Vettel, who could not contain his jubilation, screaming his delight over the radio when his pit informed him "pole".

It was an eventful and dramatic qualifying session as Hamilton went first with the clock counting down, only to have Vettel bump him from top spot a tick later setting up what should be a fascinating duel on Sunday.

"I am full of adrenaline, you know what the feeling is when the car just keeps coming, you feel the grip and you go for it, that was one of those laps," smiled Vettel, who starts from pole for the first time since Hockenheim last year.

"I am very happy the last 17 races, the last weeks have been quite tough ones.

"I really enjoyed it, I wish I could do it again just for the fun of it.

"I had to pace to pace myself a bit in the first two corners because getting the tyres to grip up wasn't straight forward but after that it was just a joy the car was shouting, 'keep going, keep going'."

After taking pole and topping two of the three practice sessions, Ferrari will hope that translates into similar performance on Sunday as they look to end Mercedes' season-long domination on the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve.

Mercedes have swept all six races this season, five in a one-two formation, putting pressure on rivals Ferrari to get their challenge back on track.

"I think we gave it everything today, so I'm not disappointed," said Hamilton. The timing was right, our procedures were good and I did everything I could.

"Overall, I'm happy with the job we've done and it leaves us in a good position for the race.

"I'm glad I've been able to split the Ferraris today and tomorrow is going to be an interesting race.

"Hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow."

If Ferrari was going to make a fight back it was expected to come in Montreal on a power sensitive track that plays to the Italian outfit's straight line speed which has been evident all week.

A win would certainly help Vettel's cause as he attempts to get back into the driver's championship fight.

Hamilton leads the standings 17 points clear of Bottas with Vettel 55 adrift of the Briton.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen spent much of qualifying complaining to his pit about traffic and a lack of grip but was ultimately undone when Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed in front of him and he did not make the final round of qualifying.

He will start Sunday's race in 11th position.

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap.

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap. Vettel, who won from pole position last year in Canada to revive Ferrari's title hopes, will be hoping for the same on Sunday with world championship leader Hamilton, chasing a record equalling seventh win in Montreal, starting alongside him. It was the German's first pole in 17 races and 56th of his career. Vettel's teammate Charles LeClerc will start third and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a surprise fourth for his best qualifying effort of the season. Red Bull's Pierre Gasly grabbed fifth on the grid and will start alongside the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who could do no better than sixth after an early spin in the final session sent the Finn to the pits. The importance of the pole was not lost on an emotional Vettel, who could not contain his jubilation, screaming his delight over the radio when his pit informed him "pole". It was an eventful and dramatic qualifying session as Hamilton went first with the clock counting down, only to have Vettel bump him from top spot a tick later setting up what should be a fascinating duel on Sunday. "I am full of adrenaline, you know what the feeling is when the car just keeps coming, you feel the grip and you go for it, that was one of those laps," smiled Vettel, who starts from pole for the first time since Hockenheim last year. "I am very happy the last 17 races, the last weeks have been quite tough ones. "I really enjoyed it, I wish I could do it again just for the fun of it. "I had to pace to pace myself a bit in the first two corners because getting the tyres to grip up wasn't straight forward but after that it was just a joy the car was shouting, 'keep going, keep going'." After taking pole and topping two of the three practice sessions, Ferrari will hope that translates into similar performance on Sunday as they look to end Mercedes' season-long domination on the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve. Mercedes have swept all six races this season, five in a one-two formation, putting pressure on rivals Ferrari to get their challenge back on track. "I think we gave it everything today, so I'm not disappointed," said Hamilton. The timing was right, our procedures were good and I did everything I could. "Overall, I'm happy with the job we've done and it leaves us in a good position for the race. "I'm glad I've been able to split the Ferraris today and tomorrow is going to be an interesting race. "Hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow." If Ferrari was going to make a fight back it was expected to come in Montreal on a power sensitive track that plays to the Italian outfit's straight line speed which has been evident all week. A win would certainly help Vettel's cause as he attempts to get back into the driver's championship fight. Hamilton leads the standings 17 points clear of Bottas with Vettel 55 adrift of the Briton. Red Bull's Max Verstappen spent much of qualifying complaining to his pit about traffic and a lack of grip but was ultimately undone when Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed in front of him and he did not make the final round of qualifying. He will start Sunday's race in 11th position.

Sebastian Vettel puts Ferrari on pole at Canadian Grand Prix

Ferrari had hoped to step up and take the fight to dominant Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday but ended up with their weaknesses exposed and even further off the pace.

Team boss Mattia Binotto said the experience would ultimately make Ferrari stronger but the disappointment was evident.

Mercedes have now won the first five races one-two while Ferrari have taken just three third places and were off the podium entirely at the Circuit de Catalunya, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

"Before we judge our performance, I think compliments to Mercedes," Binotto told reporters, with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc alongside. "They have been really very strong so far in the season.

"On our side, we can work very hard and well and the season is still long. We will never give up. I think that is our approach."

Binotto said there was much for Ferrari, who brought upgrades to the first round of the traditional European season, to learn.

"We are disappointed for the race, disappointed for the performance in the weekend. Our hope was to deliver more," he added.

"We brought some upgrades, aero and engine, and were expecting somehow to be in the fight but it has not been the case.

"I think power-wise, straight line speed, we are good enough but certainly we have some weaknesses on the car that were highlighted this weekend. It's up to us try to understand and assess and to improve in the future."

Vettel, a four times world champion, finished fourth with Leclerc fifth.

Ferrari are losing a lot of time in the corners, which does not bode well for the next round in tight and twisty Monaco, and are also finding the new Pirelli tyres tricky to manage.

Vettel damaged his on the opening lap and both drivers also lost time in the pits with a wheel nut cross-threading problem.

Binotto said the limitations seen on Sunday were also evident in the earlier races and was unable to offer a time frame for a solution.

"(The) more important (thing) for us is first to understand really how to address them and then I'm pretty sure we can do it quickly," he said.

"We still believe development will be a key factor in the season."

Ferrari had hoped to step up and take the fight to dominant Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday but ended up with their weaknesses exposed and even further off the pace.

Ferrari had hoped to step up and take the fight to dominant Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday but ended up with their weaknesses exposed and even further off the pace. Team boss Mattia Binotto said the experience would ultimately make Ferrari stronger but the disappointment was evident. Mercedes have now won the first five races one-two while Ferrari have taken just three third places and were off the podium entirely at the Circuit de Catalunya, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen. "Before we judge our performance, I think compliments to Mercedes," Binotto told reporters, with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc alongside. "They have been really very strong so far in the season. "On our side, we can work very hard and well and the season is still long. We will never give up. I think that is our approach." Binotto said there was much for Ferrari, who brought upgrades to the first round of the traditional European season, to learn. "We are disappointed for the race, disappointed for the performance in the weekend. Our hope was to deliver more," he added. "We brought some upgrades, aero and engine, and were expecting somehow to be in the fight but it has not been the case. "I think power-wise, straight line speed, we are good enough but certainly we have some weaknesses on the car that were highlighted this weekend. It's up to us try to understand and assess and to improve in the future." Vettel, a four times world champion, finished fourth with Leclerc fifth. Ferrari are losing a lot of time in the corners, which does not bode well for the next round in tight and twisty Monaco, and are also finding the new Pirelli tyres tricky to manage. Vettel damaged his on the opening lap and both drivers also lost time in the pits with a wheel nut cross-threading problem. Binotto said the limitations seen on Sunday were also evident in the earlier races and was unable to offer a time frame for a solution. "(The) more important (thing) for us is first to understand really how to address them and then I'm pretty sure we can do it quickly," he said. "We still believe development will be a key factor in the season."

Formula One: Disappointed Ferrari 'not in the fight'

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams.

The 21-year-old Monegasque lapped the six km Baku street circuit with the best time of one minute 42.872 seconds, 0.324 quicker than his German teammate Sebastian Vettel.

The Ferraris were comfortably clear of their closest challenger Lewis Hamilton, the champion and overall leader for Mercedes, who was 0.669 slower than Leclerc on a sunny afternoon.

Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth.

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After a severely shortened FP1, the drivers were itching to get out in FP2 
 
And it was <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScuderiaFerrari</a> who came out on top in Baku ⏱️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzerbaijanGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzerbaijanGP</a> 🇦🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/NvD52nsFgY">pic.twitter.com/NvD52nsFgY</a>
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"I think we are pretty strong," said Leclerc, who scored his first Formula One points last year in Baku and in 2017 won a Formula Two race from pole position just days after his father’s death.

"I am confident with the track, the car felt good today and that’s all that matters."

Mercedes have opened the year with three one-two finishes in as many races, marking the strongest start to a season for any team since Williams in 1992.

Pre-season favourites Ferrari have managed only a pair of third-place finishes and are 57 points behind their rivals in the overall standings.

The Italian team marked themselves out as the ones to beat following Friday’s running, however.

Fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One victory by engine trouble in Bahrain, Leclerc looked like he had the edge on his rivals.

"The Ferraris are clearly very quick and it looks like they’re quite a bit ahead of us," said Hamilton, the five-times world champion who won last year in Baku and heads into Sunday’s race with two wins from three races.

"It’s unlikely that we’ll find seven tenths overnight but we’ll do everything we can to push the car in the right direction."

Drain Drama

Friday’s running was interrupted by a number of incidents.

The opening 90-minute session was abandoned with 12 minutes on the clock, and only the two Ferrari drivers setting a time, after Russell struck a loose drain cover that destroyed the underside of his car in a shower of debris.

"If that was 10-15mm higher, it was going straight into where I'm sat," said the Briton, who was unhurt but will need a new chassis for qualifying and the race. "It could have been much worse."

Replays showed Leclerc had driven over the cover first, with the governing International Automobile Federation confirming a broken mounting as the cause.

Friday’s second session ran the full 90 minutes but was still interrupted by red flags as drivers, eager to make up for lost track time, impatiently probed the limits of the unforgiving layout.

Canadian Lance Stroll, a 2017 podium finisher with Williams in Baku, was the first casualty when he clouted the barriers and broke the front suspension of his Racing Point car.

Daniel Kvyat’s session also ended with his Toro Rosso in the barriers, its front suspension mangled. The Russian, celebrating his 25th birthday, was still sixth.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren ahead of Thailand’s Alexander Albon in the Toro Rosso.

Pierre Gasly, who spun multiple times, was ninth for Red Bull. The Frenchman missed a call to stop at the weighbridge at the end of the session and will start Sunday’s race from the pitlane as punishment for the offence.

Rookie Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 for McLaren.

Hamilton was nearly involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen, the Dane’s Haas almost clipping the front wing of the Mercedes as the Briton overtook.

Hamilton leads the overall standings by six points from team mate Bottas with 18 of the season’s 21 races, including Sunday’s round in Baku, remaining.

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams.

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams. The 21-year-old Monegasque lapped the six km Baku street circuit with the best time of one minute 42.872 seconds, 0.324 quicker than his German teammate Sebastian Vettel. The Ferraris were comfortably clear of their closest challenger Lewis Hamilton, the champion and overall leader for Mercedes, who was 0.669 slower than Leclerc on a sunny afternoon. Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth. After a severely shortened FP1, the drivers were itching to get out in FP2 And it was @ScuderiaFerrari who came out on top in Baku ⏱️#AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NvD52nsFgY — Formula 1 (@F1) April 26, 2019 × "I think we are pretty strong," said Leclerc, who scored his first Formula One points last year in Baku and in 2017 won a Formula Two race from pole position just days after his father’s death. "I am confident with the track, the car felt good today and that’s all that matters." Mercedes have opened the year with three one-two finishes in as many races, marking the strongest start to a season for any team since Williams in 1992. Pre-season favourites Ferrari have managed only a pair of third-place finishes and are 57 points behind their rivals in the overall standings. The Italian team marked themselves out as the ones to beat following Friday’s running, however. Fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One victory by engine trouble in Bahrain, Leclerc looked like he had the edge on his rivals. "The Ferraris are clearly very quick and it looks like they’re quite a bit ahead of us," said Hamilton, the five-times world champion who won last year in Baku and heads into Sunday’s race with two wins from three races. "It’s unlikely that we’ll find seven tenths overnight but we’ll do everything we can to push the car in the right direction." Drain Drama Friday’s running was interrupted by a number of incidents. The opening 90-minute session was abandoned with 12 minutes on the clock, and only the two Ferrari drivers setting a time, after Russell struck a loose drain cover that destroyed the underside of his car in a shower of debris. "If that was 10-15mm higher, it was going straight into where I'm sat," said the Briton, who was unhurt but will need a new chassis for qualifying and the race. "It could have been much worse." Replays showed Leclerc had driven over the cover first, with the governing International Automobile Federation confirming a broken mounting as the cause. Friday’s second session ran the full 90 minutes but was still interrupted by red flags as drivers, eager to make up for lost track time, impatiently probed the limits of the unforgiving layout. Canadian Lance Stroll, a 2017 podium finisher with Williams in Baku, was the first casualty when he clouted the barriers and broke the front suspension of his Racing Point car. Daniel Kvyat’s session also ended with his Toro Rosso in the barriers, its front suspension mangled. The Russian, celebrating his 25th birthday, was still sixth. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren ahead of Thailand’s Alexander Albon in the Toro Rosso. Pierre Gasly, who spun multiple times, was ninth for Red Bull. The Frenchman missed a call to stop at the weighbridge at the end of the session and will start Sunday’s race from the pitlane as punishment for the offence. Rookie Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 for McLaren. Hamilton was nearly involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen, the Dane’s Haas almost clipping the front wing of the Mercedes as the Briton overtook. Hamilton leads the overall standings by six points from team mate Bottas with 18 of the season’s 21 races, including Sunday’s round in Baku, remaining.

Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari one-two in Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice

Ferrari should allow Charles Leclerc to race on level terms with four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel rather than favouring the German, their former driver Gerhard Berger said on Thursday.

The Austrian, who won 10 Grand&nbsp;Prix for three different teams between 1986 and 1997, told reporters it was too early in the season to favour Vettel over his young Monegasque teammate.

"I think it's an open game at the moment," the 59-year-old said at a lunch to promote the DTM (German Touring Car) series he now runs.

"Much as I like Sebastian, and much as I rate him, here is a boy who is capable of winning the championship.

"I don't think it's enough to say 'well this one is experienced, this one is not experienced so we take the card of the experience'. I think let it run."

Leclerc is a point adrift of Vettel in the championship after three races but was quicker in Bahrain, when he started on pole position and set the fastest lap, despite at one point being told to stay behind.

The 21-year-old would have won that race had he not been slowed by a loss of power with 10 laps to go.

In China last weekend he let the German past and ended up fifth with Vettel taking third.

New Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto made clear in Shanghai that Vettel would have priority in 50-50 situations, as the team's more obvious title contender, but warned that could change.

Berger, a teammate to the late triple champion Ayrton Senna at McLaren in the early 1990s, said he could not recall ever receiving team orders but understood they made sense later in the campaign.

"I think it’s a question of when it is (acceptable), and is it really giving somebody not even a chance to win the championship? And if you do it in the first or second race, I don’t agree," he added.

Leclerc, a Ferrari protege and Formula Two champion, has replaced Kimi Raikkonen at the Italian team.

Asked whether he felt Leclerc, who had a strong debut with Sauber last year, had been promoted too soon, Berger shook his head.

"Not at all," he said. "In all cases Ferrari always put the two quickest guys in the car and made sure that the lemon was squeezed to the maximum.

"For me that's also the right way to do it... I think it was just the right timing and the right decision."

Berger said he had been impressed by the change since Binotto took over in January and the contrast to life under predecessor Maurizio Arrivabene.

"I spent half of my Formula One race life in Ferrari," he said. "I didn't feel I could go any more to drink an espresso there because it was all like a strange club where either you are day and night with them or not one of them.

"We always felt part of the Ferrari family and suddenly we didn't feel it any more. And now I was in Bahrain and it changed again. I was there drinking my coffee and everyone was happy."

Ferrari should allow Charles Leclerc to race on level terms with four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel rather than favouring the German, their former driver Gerhard Berger said on Thursday.

Ferrari should allow Charles Leclerc to race on level terms with four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel rather than favouring the German, their former driver Gerhard Berger said on Thursday. The Austrian, who won 10 Grand Prix for three different teams between 1986 and 1997, told reporters it was too early in the season to favour Vettel over his young Monegasque teammate. "I think it's an open game at the moment," the 59-year-old said at a lunch to promote the DTM (German Touring Car) series he now runs. "Much as I like Sebastian, and much as I rate him, here is a boy who is capable of winning the championship. "I don't think it's enough to say 'well this one is experienced, this one is not experienced so we take the card of the experience'. I think let it run." Leclerc is a point adrift of Vettel in the championship after three races but was quicker in Bahrain, when he started on pole position and set the fastest lap, despite at one point being told to stay behind. The 21-year-old would have won that race had he not been slowed by a loss of power with 10 laps to go. In China last weekend he let the German past and ended up fifth with Vettel taking third. New Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto made clear in Shanghai that Vettel would have priority in 50-50 situations, as the team's more obvious title contender, but warned that could change. Berger, a teammate to the late triple champion Ayrton Senna at McLaren in the early 1990s, said he could not recall ever receiving team orders but understood they made sense later in the campaign. "I think it’s a question of when it is (acceptable), and is it really giving somebody not even a chance to win the championship? And if you do it in the first or second race, I don’t agree," he added. Leclerc, a Ferrari protege and Formula Two champion, has replaced Kimi Raikkonen at the Italian team. Asked whether he felt Leclerc, who had a strong debut with Sauber last year, had been promoted too soon, Berger shook his head. "Not at all," he said. "In all cases Ferrari always put the two quickest guys in the car and made sure that the lemon was squeezed to the maximum. "For me that's also the right way to do it... I think it was just the right timing and the right decision." Berger said he had been impressed by the change since Binotto took over in January and the contrast to life under predecessor Maurizio Arrivabene. "I spent half of my Formula One race life in Ferrari," he said. "I didn't feel I could go any more to drink an espresso there because it was all like a strange club where either you are day and night with them or not one of them. "We always felt part of the Ferrari family and suddenly we didn't feel it any more. And now I was in Bahrain and it changed again. I was there drinking my coffee and everyone was happy."

Ferrari wrong to use team orders so early, says former driver Berger

Hamilton peerless, Vettel favoured: Major takeaways from Chinese Grand Prix

Championship leader Valtteri Bottas pushed Sebastian Vettel off the top of Friday's timesheets to end the opening day of practice for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix with the fastest time for Mercedes.

The Finn, who leads teammate Lewis Hamilton by one point in the overall standings and was fifth in the first of Friday’s two 90-minute sessions, set a benchmark time of one minute 33.330 seconds in the afternoon.

That put him just 0.027 seconds clear of Vettel, who had gone fastest in the morning by a 0.207-second margin ahead of Hamilton.

Max Verstappen was third fastest, 0.221 seconds off Bottas’ best.

The Dutchman displayed a decent turn of speed having also gone fourth quickest in the morning.

His Honda-powered Red Bull team were winners in China last year, with Tag Heuer-badged Renault engines in the back and Daniel Ricciardo behind the wheel, and have been tipped as strong outside contenders to repeat that feat this weekend.

But the 21-year-old struggled with what appeared to be problems shifting gears and clutch issues throughout the session.

Hamilton could do no better than fourth having gone second-fastest behind Vettel during the opening 90-minutes.

The Briton is the most successful driver by far around the 5.4-kilometer long Shanghai International Circuit.

But the reigning five-times world champion can expect a stiff challenge in his bid for an unprecedented sixth triumph with Ferrari tipped as favourites following their Bahrain performance and Red Bull also in with an outside chance.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also had a disappointing session.

The Monegasque ended the day with only the seventh-fastest time, slower than the Renault and McLaren cars of Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz and 0.828 seconds off the ultimate pace.

Both the 21-year-old, third in the morning, and Vettel are running a new control electronics package on their power units as a precaution against a repeat of the engine problems that denied Leclerc his maiden win at the Sakhir desert track.

But Leclerc’s session still came to an early end, as he parked up in the garage with some 20 minutes still to go to allow Ferrari to carry out precautionary cooling checks.

Lando Norris, fresh from having scored his first Formula One points in Bahrain, was eighth for McLaren ahead of Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo.

Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10.

Friday’s two sessions, ahead of what will be the 1000th Formula One world championship race on Sunday, were relatively trouble free apart from a few spins as the drivers explored the limits and got to grips with the track.

Hamilton and Bottas both spun during the second 90 minutes while Lance Stroll lost control of his Racing Point at the exit of the final corner in the morning.

Championship leader Valtteri Bottas pushed Sebastian Vettel off the top of Friday's timesheets to end the opening day of practice for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix with the fastest time for Mercedes.

Championship leader Valtteri Bottas pushed Sebastian Vettel off the top of Friday's timesheets to end the opening day of practice for the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix with the fastest time for Mercedes. The Finn, who leads teammate Lewis Hamilton by one point in the overall standings and was fifth in the first of Friday’s two 90-minute sessions, set a benchmark time of one minute 33.330 seconds in the afternoon. That put him just 0.027 seconds clear of Vettel, who had gone fastest in the morning by a 0.207-second margin ahead of Hamilton. Max Verstappen was third fastest, 0.221 seconds off Bottas’ best. The Dutchman displayed a decent turn of speed having also gone fourth quickest in the morning. His Honda-powered Red Bull team were winners in China last year, with Tag Heuer-badged Renault engines in the back and Daniel Ricciardo behind the wheel, and have been tipped as strong outside contenders to repeat that feat this weekend. But the 21-year-old struggled with what appeared to be problems shifting gears and clutch issues throughout the session. Hamilton could do no better than fourth having gone second-fastest behind Vettel during the opening 90-minutes. The Briton is the most successful driver by far around the 5.4-kilometer long Shanghai International Circuit. But the reigning five-times world champion can expect a stiff challenge in his bid for an unprecedented sixth triumph with Ferrari tipped as favourites following their Bahrain performance and Red Bull also in with an outside chance. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc also had a disappointing session. The Monegasque ended the day with only the seventh-fastest time, slower than the Renault and McLaren cars of Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz and 0.828 seconds off the ultimate pace. Both the 21-year-old, third in the morning, and Vettel are running a new control electronics package on their power units as a precaution against a repeat of the engine problems that denied Leclerc his maiden win at the Sakhir desert track. But Leclerc’s session still came to an early end, as he parked up in the garage with some 20 minutes still to go to allow Ferrari to carry out precautionary cooling checks. Lando Norris, fresh from having scored his first Formula One points in Bahrain, was eighth for McLaren ahead of Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo. Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10. Friday’s two sessions, ahead of what will be the 1000th Formula One world championship race on Sunday, were relatively trouble free apart from a few spins as the drivers explored the limits and got to grips with the track. Hamilton and Bottas both spun during the second 90 minutes while Lance Stroll lost control of his Racing Point at the exit of the final corner in the morning.

Formula One: Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas tops Sebastian Vettel to go fastest in Chinese GP practice

Sebastian Vettel will be aiming for his third successive Bahrain Grand Prix win on Sunday as Ferrari seek to show their lack of pace in Formula One’s Australian season opener was a one-off.

Tipped as pre-season favourites, the German and new team mate Charles Leclerc finished fourth and fifth in Melbourne, nearly a minute behind the dominant race-winning Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas.

Albert Park can be seen as something of an outlier but Ferrari hope the more traditional layout of Bahrain’s 5.4-km Sakhir desert track will allow them to unlock the full potential of the SF90 car.

The most successful team in Bahrain, with six wins overall, can draw encouragement from last year when Mercedes were faster in Australia only for Ferrari to turn the tables with a front-row lockout and victory for Vettel.

That also started a streak of three straight pole positions for the German.

"In Bahrain, we expect to see the effect of the corrections we have made ...," said principal Mattia Binotto, who replaced Maurizio Arrivabene at the helm before the start of the season.

"We are well aware that our competitors will once again be very strong. With that in mind, we are keen to get back on track and face up to them."

Bottas, having driven what he described as the race of his life in Australia to finish more than 20 seconds ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton in second place, will be keen to serve up a thriller under the floodlights.

Having come within a second of snatching victory from Vettel last year, Bottas has some unfinished business on Sunday while Hamilton, who has taken two of Mercedes’ three wins in Bahrain, will be keen to reassert his supremacy.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said nothing was won or lost at Albert Park.

"Whatever the Melbourne result says, our mindset hasn't changed since then," he said.

"We've seen the potential of Ferrari's package in Barcelona (testing), so we expect them to come back strong in Bahrain, with Red Bull in the mix as well."

Max Verstappen finished third for Red Bull in Australia, the Milton Keynes-based team’s first race with new engine partners Honda.

Frenchman Pierre Gasly, now driving alongside Verstappen, finished fourth for Honda-powered Toro Rosso in Bahrain last year and will be hoping to do even better on Sunday.

McLaren, which counts Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company among its major shareholders, will be looking for their first points after Lando Norris finished 12th and Carlos Sainz retired in Australia.

Bahrain will also mark the start of the Formula Two Championship with Mick Schumacher, son of seven-times Formula One champion Michael and nephew of Ralf, making his debut in the support category.

Schumacher, a part of Ferrari’s young driver academy, is also scheduled to take part in a post-race test with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.

Sebastian Vettel will be aiming for his third successive Bahrain Grand Prix win on Sunday as Ferrari seek to show their lack of pace in Formula One’s Australian season opener was a one-off.

Sebastian Vettel will be aiming for his third successive Bahrain Grand Prix win on Sunday as Ferrari seek to show their lack of pace in Formula One’s Australian season opener was a one-off. Tipped as pre-season favourites, the German and new team mate Charles Leclerc finished fourth and fifth in Melbourne, nearly a minute behind the dominant race-winning Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas. Albert Park can be seen as something of an outlier but Ferrari hope the more traditional layout of Bahrain’s 5.4-km Sakhir desert track will allow them to unlock the full potential of the SF90 car. The most successful team in Bahrain, with six wins overall, can draw encouragement from last year when Mercedes were faster in Australia only for Ferrari to turn the tables with a front-row lockout and victory for Vettel. That also started a streak of three straight pole positions for the German. "In Bahrain, we expect to see the effect of the corrections we have made ...," said principal Mattia Binotto, who replaced Maurizio Arrivabene at the helm before the start of the season. "We are well aware that our competitors will once again be very strong. With that in mind, we are keen to get back on track and face up to them." Bottas, having driven what he described as the race of his life in Australia to finish more than 20 seconds ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton in second place, will be keen to serve up a thriller under the floodlights. Having come within a second of snatching victory from Vettel last year, Bottas has some unfinished business on Sunday while Hamilton, who has taken two of Mercedes’ three wins in Bahrain, will be keen to reassert his supremacy. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said nothing was won or lost at Albert Park. "Whatever the Melbourne result says, our mindset hasn't changed since then," he said. "We've seen the potential of Ferrari's package in Barcelona (testing), so we expect them to come back strong in Bahrain, with Red Bull in the mix as well." Max Verstappen finished third for Red Bull in Australia, the Milton Keynes-based team’s first race with new engine partners Honda. Frenchman Pierre Gasly, now driving alongside Verstappen, finished fourth for Honda-powered Toro Rosso in Bahrain last year and will be hoping to do even better on Sunday. McLaren, which counts Bahrain’s Mumtalakat Holding Company among its major shareholders, will be looking for their first points after Lando Norris finished 12th and Carlos Sainz retired in Australia. Bahrain will also mark the start of the Formula Two Championship with Mick Schumacher, son of seven-times Formula One champion Michael and nephew of Ralf, making his debut in the support category. Schumacher, a part of Ferrari’s young driver academy, is also scheduled to take part in a post-race test with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.

Sebastian Vettel seeks Ferrari boost in Bahrain

Sebastian Vettel won the first round of what could be a long and lively Formula One title fight with Lewis Hamilton on Sunday but the Ferrari driver may be the one with more to worry about as they leave Australia.

Champions Mercedes messed up in Melbourne, their mistake denying Hamilton what had looked a nailed-on victory from pole position, but they also left rivals in no doubt about their pace.

"At the moment we`re a bit worse off," Vettel told reporters after repeating last year`s opening win thanks to a pitstop during a virtual safety car period that wrong-footed Mercedes, whose data wrongly indicated Hamilton had him covered.

"Last year we had more pace at this point. If you look at the gaps the whole weekend, we`re not yet a true match," added the German, who is vying with Hamilton to become a five-times champion.

"I think if you look, and you are fair, then Lewis was fastest whereas last year I think we were fastest and it was very, very close."

Last year, Vettel led from Melbourne to Monza before his challenge imploded.&nbsp;

Hamilton took pole on Saturday with one of the great qualifying laps of his career, lapping a massive 0.664 quicker than Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen.

The time may have flattered him, with the Briton producing a near-perfect lap while Vettel would doubtless have been closer had he not made a mistake.

But rivals also pointed to Mercedes` qualifying `party mode` engine setting with concern.

"Mercedes is playing with everyone... with that engine, no one can beat Mercedes. They`re in a different world," Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko was quoted as saying after qualifying.

Despite the pessimism, and the absence of Red Bull drivers from the year`s first podium, Melbourne did not dispel hopes of a three-way team battle.&nbsp;

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who finished fourth after starting eighth following a grid penalty, set the fastest lap of the race for Red Bull and was right on the tail of Raikkonen.

"We are convinced that we had a better car than Ferrari, though the Mercedes still probably had something in hand," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner.

Melbourne is a hard track to overtake on but Bahrain is next up and more open. Vettel won there last year when it was the third race of the season but Hamilton will also fancy his chances.

"We still got second. It feels like a dark cloud but it`s not," the Briton had said on Sunday. "We have a great car, we are still the world champions and with a couple of adjustments we can win the next race."

Champions Mercedes messed up in Melbourne

Sebastian Vettel won the first round of what could be a long and lively Formula One title fight with Lewis Hamilton on Sunday but the Ferrari driver may be the one with more to worry about as they leave Australia. Champions Mercedes messed up in Melbourne, their mistake denying Hamilton what had looked a nailed-on victory from pole position, but they also left rivals in no doubt about their pace. "At the moment we`re a bit worse off," Vettel told reporters after repeating last year`s opening win thanks to a pitstop during a virtual safety car period that wrong-footed Mercedes, whose data wrongly indicated Hamilton had him covered. "Last year we had more pace at this point. If you look at the gaps the whole weekend, we`re not yet a true match," added the German, who is vying with Hamilton to become a five-times champion. "I think if you look, and you are fair, then Lewis was fastest whereas last year I think we were fastest and it was very, very close." Last year, Vettel led from Melbourne to Monza before his challenge imploded. Hamilton took pole on Saturday with one of the great qualifying laps of his career, lapping a massive 0.664 quicker than Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen. The time may have flattered him, with the Briton producing a near-perfect lap while Vettel would doubtless have been closer had he not made a mistake. But rivals also pointed to Mercedes` qualifying `party mode` engine setting with concern. "Mercedes is playing with everyone... with that engine, no one can beat Mercedes. They`re in a different world," Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko was quoted as saying after qualifying. Despite the pessimism, and the absence of Red Bull drivers from the year`s first podium, Melbourne did not dispel hopes of a three-way team battle. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who finished fourth after starting eighth following a grid penalty, set the fastest lap of the race for Red Bull and was right on the tail of Raikkonen. "We are convinced that we had a better car than Ferrari, though the Mercedes still probably had something in hand," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner. Melbourne is a hard track to overtake on but Bahrain is next up and more open. Vettel won there last year when it was the third race of the season but Hamilton will also fancy his chances. "We still got second. It feels like a dark cloud but it`s not," the Briton had said on Sunday. "We have a great car, we are still the world champions and with a couple of adjustments we can win the next race."

Formula One: Advantage Vettel, but Hamilton can feel confident

From Flying Finn to charging Bull, here are major takeaways from Australian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off Ferrari's testing pace on Wednesday while recognising that he and Mercedes faced their toughest challenge yet as they seek to stretch their Formula One domination into a sixth successive season.

Ferrari, overall runners-up last year, have led the timesheets for the first two days of testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya and have also done plenty of laps with their new SF90 car.

Sebastian Vettel, the four times champion who is partnered by young Monegasque Charles Leclerc this year, said on Monday his Ferrari had been "close to perfection".

Mercedes, winners of both titles for the past five years, have also been pounding out the mileage without setting any eye-catching times.

"They (Ferrari) have been looking great," Hamilton, who will be chasing his sixth title, told reporters. "For us it's been just digging deep, trying to understand the car, Pretty much the same as the beginning of every year.

"The Ferraris always look strong, particularly in the last few years they look very strong right at the beginning so it's to be expected."

Ferrari won the first two races of last year with a car that seemed quicker than the Mercedes but the champions came back strongly and Hamilton ended the year with 11 wins to Vettel's tally of five.

NO WORRIES

Last year Ferrari -- who won six successive constructors' titles between 1999 and 2004 -- were fastest in testing but it was still Hamilton who put his Mercedes on pole position at the first race in Melbourne with a circuit record time.

"At the moment I don't really hold any worry about anything," said the 34-year-old Briton, who conceded that Ferrari did appear to have produced a better package than last season.

"I just try to focus on our job. I don't know what everyone's doing, there's different fuel loads. I've been in this business a long time so I know how it goes over the first week and into the second.

"It's not a time where we need to be focusing on others. We let everyone else do their thing and really try to focus on digging deep, making sure our processes are better than ever before, analysing the data better than ever before."

Hamilton said the W10 Mercedes felt similar to last year's W09, despite aerodynamic rule changes, and he was in the best shape of his life physically.

"I'm here for round seven with the team," he said. "This is going to be the most challenging year, I think, of our partnership.

"And I still love racing so nothing really changes there."

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off Ferrari's testing pace on Wednesday while recognising that he and Mercedes faced their toughest challenge yet as they seek to stretch their Formula One domination into a sixth successive season.

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off Ferrari's testing pace on Wednesday while recognising that he and Mercedes faced their toughest challenge yet as they seek to stretch their Formula One domination into a sixth successive season. Ferrari, overall runners-up last year, have led the timesheets for the first two days of testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya and have also done plenty of laps with their new SF90 car. Sebastian Vettel, the four times champion who is partnered by young Monegasque Charles Leclerc this year, said on Monday his Ferrari had been "close to perfection". Mercedes, winners of both titles for the past five years, have also been pounding out the mileage without setting any eye-catching times. "They (Ferrari) have been looking great," Hamilton, who will be chasing his sixth title, told reporters. "For us it's been just digging deep, trying to understand the car, Pretty much the same as the beginning of every year. "The Ferraris always look strong, particularly in the last few years they look very strong right at the beginning so it's to be expected." Ferrari won the first two races of last year with a car that seemed quicker than the Mercedes but the champions came back strongly and Hamilton ended the year with 11 wins to Vettel's tally of five. NO WORRIES Last year Ferrari -- who won six successive constructors' titles between 1999 and 2004 -- were fastest in testing but it was still Hamilton who put his Mercedes on pole position at the first race in Melbourne with a circuit record time. "At the moment I don't really hold any worry about anything," said the 34-year-old Briton, who conceded that Ferrari did appear to have produced a better package than last season. "I just try to focus on our job. I don't know what everyone's doing, there's different fuel loads. I've been in this business a long time so I know how it goes over the first week and into the second. "It's not a time where we need to be focusing on others. We let everyone else do their thing and really try to focus on digging deep, making sure our processes are better than ever before, analysing the data better than ever before." Hamilton said the W10 Mercedes felt similar to last year's W09, despite aerodynamic rule changes, and he was in the best shape of his life physically. "I'm here for round seven with the team," he said. "This is going to be the most challenging year, I think, of our partnership. "And I still love racing so nothing really changes there."

Motor racing: Lewis Hamilton shrugs off Ferrari's early testing pace

Ferrari's first day of pre-season Formula One testing on Monday was close to perfection, a delighted Sebastian Vettel said after setting the fastest time and completing more laps than anyone else.

The four times world champion managed 169 laps of Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya and the German did not hide his delight.

"Unbelievable, I think the car was working really well. we had no issues slowing us down, we actually completed the programme just the way we wanted," he told reporters.

"Obviously I am still a little bit rusty because I haven’t driven for a couple of months but it's getting better. I certainly got enough laps today," added Vettel.

"I will sleep well tonight. The car is working, I’m very happy. It’s doing what I want, so I am very pleased at the moment.

"I think huge compliments to everyone back in the factory... how they tackled the new rules and regulations and what they put on track today is very close to perfection on the first day of driving."

Ferrari have had a shake-up since last season, with Mattia Binotto installed as team principal in place of the departed Maurizio Arrivabene.

That has also brought a change in attitude, with Ferrari already seeming a more welcoming place -- for the media at least -- after what had seemed like a siege mentality under Arrivabene.

GOOD FEELING

Binotto has decades of experience at Ferrari and Vettel said the foundations remained the same.

"Obviously he’s been around a long time and knows everybody so in this regard there is no news," said Vettel.

"Its obviously news to be in the position and have that responsibility but so far I think everybody is having a smile on their face, focused and happy to come in for work and do their job.

"Days like this and a start like this are quite rewarding, with a lot of laps on the clock and a general good feeling for the car."

Vettel is now starting his fifth season at Ferrari, and he was reminded that it took his great compatriot Michael Schumacher five years before he won a title with the Italian team.

While he said it was too early to make such comparisons, and it did not feel like five years since he left Red Bull, Vettel saw clear progress in the team.

"The team is developing and closer together year by year so I hope that this year we get to have a lot of fun -- fun means win a lot of races and then ultimately you are fighting for the championship," he said.

"If we can maintain the level of enjoyment and fun that I found on the track today, and saw in people’s faces the last couple of months, then I’m positive and hopeful for the future."

Ferrari's first day of pre-season Formula One testing on Monday was close to perfection, a delighted Sebastian Vettel said after setting the fastest time and completing more laps than anyone else.

Ferrari's first day of pre-season Formula One testing on Monday was close to perfection, a delighted Sebastian Vettel said after setting the fastest time and completing more laps than anyone else. The four times world champion managed 169 laps of Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya and the German did not hide his delight. "Unbelievable, I think the car was working really well. we had no issues slowing us down, we actually completed the programme just the way we wanted," he told reporters. "Obviously I am still a little bit rusty because I haven’t driven for a couple of months but it's getting better. I certainly got enough laps today," added Vettel. "I will sleep well tonight. The car is working, I’m very happy. It’s doing what I want, so I am very pleased at the moment. "I think huge compliments to everyone back in the factory... how they tackled the new rules and regulations and what they put on track today is very close to perfection on the first day of driving." Ferrari have had a shake-up since last season, with Mattia Binotto installed as team principal in place of the departed Maurizio Arrivabene. That has also brought a change in attitude, with Ferrari already seeming a more welcoming place -- for the media at least -- after what had seemed like a siege mentality under Arrivabene. GOOD FEELING Binotto has decades of experience at Ferrari and Vettel said the foundations remained the same. "Obviously he’s been around a long time and knows everybody so in this regard there is no news," said Vettel. "Its obviously news to be in the position and have that responsibility but so far I think everybody is having a smile on their face, focused and happy to come in for work and do their job. "Days like this and a start like this are quite rewarding, with a lot of laps on the clock and a general good feeling for the car." Vettel is now starting his fifth season at Ferrari, and he was reminded that it took his great compatriot Michael Schumacher five years before he won a title with the Italian team. While he said it was too early to make such comparisons, and it did not feel like five years since he left Red Bull, Vettel saw clear progress in the team. "The team is developing and closer together year by year so I hope that this year we get to have a lot of fun -- fun means win a lot of races and then ultimately you are fighting for the championship," he said. "If we can maintain the level of enjoyment and fun that I found on the track today, and saw in people’s faces the last couple of months, then I’m positive and hopeful for the future."

Sebastian Vettel says first day of testing was close to perfection

Ferrari made a strong start to the first day of Formula One testing on Monday with four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel top of the timesheets at lunchtime with 72 laps completed.

The Italian team won six of the 21 races last year, finishing overall runners-up, and are hoping the new SF90 car can end Mercedes's five-year stranglehold on both championships.

Vettel's fastest lap of one minute 18.161 seconds, on a sunny morning at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, was already quicker than anything set during the weather-hit first four-day test of 2018.

The German was also nearly two seconds faster than the best of the rest.

Racing Point's Mexican Sergio Perez was next on the timesheets, with a 1.19.944, on a day when mileage mattered more than outright speed as teams get to grips with their new cars for the first time and focus on getting in plenty of laps.

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Feels great to be back! 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1Testing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1Testing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/zH4IwM44yj">pic.twitter.com/zH4IwM44yj</a>
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Reigning champions Mercedes, with Valtteri Bottas first behind the wheel of the silver W10, completed the second most laps -- three fewer than Ferrari -- with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg doing 65.

Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton will take over from Bottas, who was third fastest, in the afternoon.

Former champions McLaren also made a solid start with Spaniard Carlos Sainz, stepping into the shoes of departed compatriot Fernando Alonso, completing 56 laps with the sixth fastest time.

Red Bull, now powered by Honda after their split from Renault, managed 52 laps with Dutch driver Max Verstappen in action.

Alfa Romeo, the renamed former Sauber team, had 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen in new overalls after leaving Ferrari and completing 46 laps after an early trip into the gravel that brought out the first red flag of 2019.

The Finn was fourth fastest at the lunch break.

Russian Daniil Kvyat was slowest in the Honda-powered Toro Rosso but did more laps than Romain Grosjean, who did only 18 for Haas, while Perez took Racing Point's tally to 20.

Only nine of the 10 teams appeared on track, with struggling Williams failing to get their car ready on time and not expecting to test until Wednesday at the earliest.

Ferrari made a strong start to the first day of Formula One testing on Monday with four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel top of the timesheets at lunchtime with 72 laps completed.

Ferrari made a strong start to the first day of Formula One testing on Monday with four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel top of the timesheets at lunchtime with 72 laps completed. The Italian team won six of the 21 races last year, finishing overall runners-up, and are hoping the new SF90 car can end Mercedes's five-year stranglehold on both championships. Vettel's fastest lap of one minute 18.161 seconds, on a sunny morning at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, was already quicker than anything set during the weather-hit first four-day test of 2018. The German was also nearly two seconds faster than the best of the rest. Racing Point's Mexican Sergio Perez was next on the timesheets, with a 1.19.944, on a day when mileage mattered more than outright speed as teams get to grips with their new cars for the first time and focus on getting in plenty of laps. Feels great to be back! 👊#F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/zH4IwM44yj — Formula 1 (@F1) February 18, 2019 × Reigning champions Mercedes, with Valtteri Bottas first behind the wheel of the silver W10, completed the second most laps -- three fewer than Ferrari -- with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg doing 65. Five-times world champion Lewis Hamilton will take over from Bottas, who was third fastest, in the afternoon. Former champions McLaren also made a solid start with Spaniard Carlos Sainz, stepping into the shoes of departed compatriot Fernando Alonso, completing 56 laps with the sixth fastest time. Red Bull, now powered by Honda after their split from Renault, managed 52 laps with Dutch driver Max Verstappen in action. Alfa Romeo, the renamed former Sauber team, had 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen in new overalls after leaving Ferrari and completing 46 laps after an early trip into the gravel that brought out the first red flag of 2019. The Finn was fourth fastest at the lunch break. Russian Daniil Kvyat was slowest in the Honda-powered Toro Rosso but did more laps than Romain Grosjean, who did only 18 for Haas, while Perez took Racing Point's tally to 20. Only nine of the 10 teams appeared on track, with struggling Williams failing to get their car ready on time and not expecting to test until Wednesday at the earliest.

Sebastian Vettel gets Ferrari off to strong start in F1 testing

Ferrari turned a page on their recent past&nbsp;as they unveiled the Formula One car designed to end an era of Mercedes domination and shatter Lewis Hamilton's dreams of a sixth championship this season.&nbsp;

The sport's oldest and most successful team, who last won a title more than a decade ago and finished runners-up last year, presented the SF90 with plenty of fanfare at their Maranello factory.&nbsp;

"I'm looking forward to this year. I think the team is on the right path and hopefully we can continue improving," four times world champion Sebastian Vettel, winner of five races in 2018, assured the audience.&nbsp;

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Newborn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SF90?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SF90</a> 
 
Discover all contents at <a href="https://t.co/bS2YGkBDkv">https://t.co/bS2YGkBDkv</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/essereFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#essereFerrari</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvzpUdWrGt">pic.twitter.com/FvzpUdWrGt</a>
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The German has a new team mate in Charles Leclerc, replacing 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen, and a new principal following the departure of Maurizio Arrivabene and appointment of Mattia Binotto.&nbsp;

"I'm extremely excited to start this new adventure," said Leclerc. "It's a dream since childhood. I've always been looking at the red cars, hoping to be one day in this car, so it's a very emotional day for me."&nbsp;

Testing starts in Spain on Monday with the first race in Australia on March 17.&nbsp;

Ferrari turned a page on their recent past as they unveiled the Formula One car designed to end an era of Mercedes domination and shatter Lewis Hamilton's dreams of a sixth championship this season.

Ferrari turned a page on their recent past as they unveiled the Formula One car designed to end an era of Mercedes domination and shatter Lewis Hamilton's dreams of a sixth championship this season. The sport's oldest and most successful team, who last won a title more than a decade ago and finished runners-up last year, presented the SF90 with plenty of fanfare at their Maranello factory. "I'm looking forward to this year. I think the team is on the right path and hopefully we can continue improving," four times world champion Sebastian Vettel, winner of five races in 2018, assured the audience. Newborn #SF90 Discover all contents at https://t.co/bS2YGkBDkv#essereFerrari pic.twitter.com/FvzpUdWrGt — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 15, 2019 × The German has a new team mate in Charles Leclerc, replacing 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen, and a new principal following the departure of Maurizio Arrivabene and appointment of Mattia Binotto. "I'm extremely excited to start this new adventure," said Leclerc. "It's a dream since childhood. I've always been looking at the red cars, hoping to be one day in this car, so it's a very emotional day for me." Testing starts in Spain on Monday with the first race in Australia on March 17.

Ferrari launch new SF90 looking to end F1 title drought

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story.

Yes, the top three -- the 'Silver Arrows' along with Ferrari and Red Bull -- again won all the races, just as they have for the past five years.

And yes, their drivers also filled all but one of the 63 podium places in what was more than ever a two-tier championship.

At the front, however, the fight for supremacy was far closer, with the outcome far from clear and Mercedes having to wait until the fourth race to open their win account.

Ferrari won six, their best effort since 2008 but still some way short of what might have been, and were hit hard by the death mid-season of combative chairman Sergio Marchionne and their own mistakes.

Red Bull ended their Renault partnership with four victories, their biggest haul since 2013 when they were last champions, to set new engine suppliers Honda a high benchmark for 2019.

Hamilton moved onto another level, however.

His success, with 11 wins from 21 races and 11 poles, was all the more impressive given that Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel could claim to have the faster car for at least the first half of the season.

Unlike Vettel and Ferrari, Hamilton barely put a wheel wrong as he equalled the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio's five titles, with only Michael Schumacher ahead on seven.

The highlights included storming from 14th on the grid to victory in Germany, while Vettel skidded off as he led in the wet, and an astonishing pole position lap in Singapore.

The 33-year-old Briton staged an epic recovery from last to second at Silverstone, and ended the year on 73 wins with Schumacher's all-time record of 91 coming into range.

"I've grown, I've understood myself more," Hamilton said when asked what he had learned from a year that left Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas winless, mentally battered and bruised.

"I've just been able to be a better me all year long and that's never going to stop."

Hamilton's continuing reign was echoed elsewhere in motorsport, with Spaniard Marc Marquez collecting his fifth MotoGP crown while Frenchman Sebastien Ogier went one better to end a closely-fought rally championship as a six-times champion.

Hefty Push

Formula One's youth revolution continued, with fresh faces lined up for 2019 as teams gave the driver merry-go-round a hefty push.

Only Mercedes and fifth-placed Haas will be carrying unchanged line-ups into 2019, also a crucial year off the track with commercial rights holders Liberty Media facing tough discussions over the sport's future direction.

Another, very real, shove landed Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who turned 21 and delighted Dutch fans with two race wins in 2018, in hot water after an altercation with Force India's Esteban Ocon.

Sauber's Charles Leclerc was rookie of the year and the exciting young Monegasque will begin a new chapter at Ferrari next year, trading places with 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen -- who won in Texas for his first victory in 113 races.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso called it a day, leaving as one of the greats but with McLaren still agonisingly slow and ushering out racing director Eric Boullier among others.

Alonso will now chase the Indianapolis 500, and Triple Crown glory, after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota at the first attempt in 2018.

The return of the French Grand Prix after a 10-year absence was a popular comeback, the traffic jams around Le Castellet much less so as fans fumed in tailbacks for hours.

New faces coming in for 2019 will include Britain's Formula Two champion George Russell, at Williams, and teenage compatriot Lando Norris at McLaren.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo will also have a new team after leaving Red Bull for Renault -- now the sport's fourth-ranked team.

Force India who had previously been best-of-the-rest, went into administration and emerged under the new ownership of a Canadian consortium led by Lance Stroll's billionaire father Lawrence.

In the year's least surprising move, Stroll junior moved from Williams -- the former champions now 10th and last -- to his father's team for 2019.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story. Yes, the top three -- the 'Silver Arrows' along with Ferrari and Red Bull -- again won all the races, just as they have for the past five years. And yes, their drivers also filled all but one of the 63 podium places in what was more than ever a two-tier championship. At the front, however, the fight for supremacy was far closer, with the outcome far from clear and Mercedes having to wait until the fourth race to open their win account. Ferrari won six, their best effort since 2008 but still some way short of what might have been, and were hit hard by the death mid-season of combative chairman Sergio Marchionne and their own mistakes. Red Bull ended their Renault partnership with four victories, their biggest haul since 2013 when they were last champions, to set new engine suppliers Honda a high benchmark for 2019. Hamilton moved onto another level, however. His success, with 11 wins from 21 races and 11 poles, was all the more impressive given that Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel could claim to have the faster car for at least the first half of the season. Unlike Vettel and Ferrari, Hamilton barely put a wheel wrong as he equalled the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio's five titles, with only Michael Schumacher ahead on seven. The highlights included storming from 14th on the grid to victory in Germany, while Vettel skidded off as he led in the wet, and an astonishing pole position lap in Singapore. The 33-year-old Briton staged an epic recovery from last to second at Silverstone, and ended the year on 73 wins with Schumacher's all-time record of 91 coming into range. "I've grown, I've understood myself more," Hamilton said when asked what he had learned from a year that left Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas winless, mentally battered and bruised. "I've just been able to be a better me all year long and that's never going to stop." Hamilton's continuing reign was echoed elsewhere in motorsport, with Spaniard Marc Marquez collecting his fifth MotoGP crown while Frenchman Sebastien Ogier went one better to end a closely-fought rally championship as a six-times champion. Hefty Push Formula One's youth revolution continued, with fresh faces lined up for 2019 as teams gave the driver merry-go-round a hefty push. Only Mercedes and fifth-placed Haas will be carrying unchanged line-ups into 2019, also a crucial year off the track with commercial rights holders Liberty Media facing tough discussions over the sport's future direction. Another, very real, shove landed Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who turned 21 and delighted Dutch fans with two race wins in 2018, in hot water after an altercation with Force India's Esteban Ocon. Sauber's Charles Leclerc was rookie of the year and the exciting young Monegasque will begin a new chapter at Ferrari next year, trading places with 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen -- who won in Texas for his first victory in 113 races. Double world champion Fernando Alonso called it a day, leaving as one of the greats but with McLaren still agonisingly slow and ushering out racing director Eric Boullier among others. Alonso will now chase the Indianapolis 500, and Triple Crown glory, after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota at the first attempt in 2018. The return of the French Grand Prix after a 10-year absence was a popular comeback, the traffic jams around Le Castellet much less so as fans fumed in tailbacks for hours. New faces coming in for 2019 will include Britain's Formula Two champion George Russell, at Williams, and teenage compatriot Lando Norris at McLaren. Australian Daniel Ricciardo will also have a new team after leaving Red Bull for Renault -- now the sport's fourth-ranked team. Force India who had previously been best-of-the-rest, went into administration and emerged under the new ownership of a Canadian consortium led by Lance Stroll's billionaire father Lawrence. In the year's least surprising move, Stroll junior moved from Williams -- the former champions now 10th and last -- to his father's team for 2019.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes shift from fourth to fifth

New five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton steered his Mercedes to a nail-biting victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, a triumph that clinched the constructors championship for a fifth consecutive season for the team.

The 33-year-old Briton took advantage of a collision that cost Max Verstappen the lead in the closing stages to regain the initiative and then hang on with worn tyres as the Red Bull came home second.

Kimi Raikkonen finished third on his 150th start for Ferrari ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel who came home sixth for Ferrari.

The result ended Ferrari's hopes of stopping Mercedes' title triumph, brought Hamilton his tenth win of the year and 72nd of his career.&nbsp;

It was also the first time he had won a late-season race after winning the drivers' title.

Charles Leclerc finished seventh for Sauber ahead of the two Haas cars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen with Sergio Perez 10th for Force India.

The decisive moment came on lap 44 of the 71 race when Vertstappen clashed with Esteban Ocon's Force India in the Senna S curves as the Frenchman attempted to un-lap himself.&nbsp;

Ocon was penalised by the stewards with a 10-second stop-go penalty.

"I hope I cannot find him now in the paddock," said a livid Verstappen, whose further TV comments were bleeped out.&nbsp;

"I don't know what to say," he added later. "I was taken out by an idiot -– I have no words."

Hamilton said: "It was an honour to drive for them (Mercedes) today. I saw it happen. I wasn't surprised by it. I saw them racing and they weren't racing for the same position."

New five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton steered his Mercedes to a nail-biting victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, a triumph that clinched the constructors championship for a fifth consecutive season for the team.

New five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton steered his Mercedes to a nail-biting victory in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix, a triumph that clinched the constructors championship for a fifth consecutive season for the team. The 33-year-old Briton took advantage of a collision that cost Max Verstappen the lead in the closing stages to regain the initiative and then hang on with worn tyres as the Red Bull came home second. Kimi Raikkonen finished third on his 150th start for Ferrari ahead of Daniel Ricciardo in the second Red Bull, Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel who came home sixth for Ferrari. The result ended Ferrari's hopes of stopping Mercedes' title triumph, brought Hamilton his tenth win of the year and 72nd of his career. It was also the first time he had won a late-season race after winning the drivers' title. Charles Leclerc finished seventh for Sauber ahead of the two Haas cars driven by Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen with Sergio Perez 10th for Force India. The decisive moment came on lap 44 of the 71 race when Vertstappen clashed with Esteban Ocon's Force India in the Senna S curves as the Frenchman attempted to un-lap himself. Ocon was penalised by the stewards with a 10-second stop-go penalty. "I hope I cannot find him now in the paddock," said a livid Verstappen, whose further TV comments were bleeped out. "I don't know what to say," he added later. "I was taken out by an idiot -– I have no words." Hamilton said: "It was an honour to drive for them (Mercedes) today. I saw it happen. I wasn't surprised by it. I saw them racing and they weren't racing for the same position."

Lewis Hamilton wins nail-biting Brazilian GP, Mercedes take constructors

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever.

Hamilton, who took his fifth title in Mexico last month, will address staff at Brackley and Brixworth on Tuesday in what will be a thank you, communal celebration and rallying cry rolled into one.

"I have to try and find the right words," the 33-year-old said on Sunday, a bashful comment for a man whose achievements -- 10 wins and 10 poles so far this season -- speak for themselves.

The Briton will have no trouble in expressing himself, having already done so in an emotionally-charged garage debrief at Interlagos.

"It's an incredible honour to work with all of you," he told assembled mechanics, engineers and bosses after winning the penultimate race of the season. "Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime.

"I really want you to just remember that moment and hold on to it because that's what's going to power us to many more championships. Never let that energy drop... I tell you, that propels me.

"This past six years has been epic and iconic. We are now legends. Just remember that. When you go home, when you look in the mirror, when you wake up, say 'I'm a legend'. You've got to say that to yourself: 'I'm a legend'.

SCHUMACHER RECORDS

Sunday was Hamilton's 72nd career win, leaving him 19 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The Briton has averaged 10 a season for the last four years and won 50 of 99 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

"You've got to say that Lewis this year has just made the difference for us," technical director James Allison told Sky Sports television.

"He keeps putting it on pole, whenever its wet he’s always at the front. In the races we can make mistakes and he’ll recover it by doing something unlikely on the track that no-one sees coming.

"And he spends a whole year not making mistakes. He’s just the consummate racing driver."

Only Ferrari had previously racked up five successive championship doubles and their milestone of six constructors' titles in a row between 1999 and 2004 remains the sport's outright record.

That is the next target on the radar and it will be back to business soon enough.

"The risk is that you become complacent with winning and I think this team has overcome this obstacle," declared team boss Toto Wolff on Sunday night. "We’ve set ourselves objectives that motivated us.

"And the job is going to get more difficult every year. We are setting the benchmark at the moment and our competition will get more energized and motivated by us.

"All points start at zero next year. We will have forgotten about the five and will fight hard to be in contention for the sixth. Whether we achieve it or not we will see next year."

Hamilton's enduring motivation has been questioned in the past but, on Sunday's evidence, that is not a concern.

"I want to continue trying to elevate Mercedes to making them the most successful brand of all time," he said.

"I've never experienced the height of what I'm feeling and experienced here. And I know when I get to the factory the energy is going to be higher than I've ever felt so I've got to get to sleep.

"I might not be able to hold these emotions in."

Lewis Hamilton has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever.

Lewis Hamilton has told his Mercedes Formula One teammates they are all 'legends' after completing a fifth successive constructor and driver title double in Brazil on Sunday and pledged to help make them the sport's most successful team ever. Hamilton, who took his fifth title in Mexico last month, will address staff at Brackley and Brixworth on Tuesday in what will be a thank you, communal celebration and rallying cry rolled into one. "I have to try and find the right words," the 33-year-old said on Sunday, a bashful comment for a man whose achievements -- 10 wins and 10 poles so far this season -- speak for themselves. The Briton will have no trouble in expressing himself, having already done so in an emotionally-charged garage debrief at Interlagos. "It's an incredible honour to work with all of you," he told assembled mechanics, engineers and bosses after winning the penultimate race of the season. "Seeing you guys after the race, seeing that energy that you guys all had, that happiness can fill a lifetime. "I really want you to just remember that moment and hold on to it because that's what's going to power us to many more championships. Never let that energy drop... I tell you, that propels me. "This past six years has been epic and iconic. We are now legends. Just remember that. When you go home, when you look in the mirror, when you wake up, say 'I'm a legend'. You've got to say that to yourself: 'I'm a legend'. SCHUMACHER RECORDS Sunday was Hamilton's 72nd career win, leaving him 19 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record. The Briton has averaged 10 a season for the last four years and won 50 of 99 races in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. "You've got to say that Lewis this year has just made the difference for us," technical director James Allison told Sky Sports television. "He keeps putting it on pole, whenever its wet he’s always at the front. In the races we can make mistakes and he’ll recover it by doing something unlikely on the track that no-one sees coming. "And he spends a whole year not making mistakes. He’s just the consummate racing driver." Only Ferrari had previously racked up five successive championship doubles and their milestone of six constructors' titles in a row between 1999 and 2004 remains the sport's outright record. That is the next target on the radar and it will be back to business soon enough. "The risk is that you become complacent with winning and I think this team has overcome this obstacle," declared team boss Toto Wolff on Sunday night. "We’ve set ourselves objectives that motivated us. "And the job is going to get more difficult every year. We are setting the benchmark at the moment and our competition will get more energized and motivated by us. "All points start at zero next year. We will have forgotten about the five and will fight hard to be in contention for the sixth. Whether we achieve it or not we will see next year." Hamilton's enduring motivation has been questioned in the past but, on Sunday's evidence, that is not a concern. "I want to continue trying to elevate Mercedes to making them the most successful brand of all time," he said. "I've never experienced the height of what I'm feeling and experienced here. And I know when I get to the factory the energy is going to be higher than I've ever felt so I've got to get to sleep. "I might not be able to hold these emotions in."

Team energy will power Mercedes to more titles, says Lewis Hamilton

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside.

The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship.

Mercedes will seal the constructors&nbsp;title on Sunday unless Ferrari outscores them by 13 points.

Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole in Brazil last year, qualified third with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen fourth on an all-Finnish second row.

"That was a tough qualifying session," gasped a delighted Hamilton, who had never previously managed to take a pole in a season after winning the title with races to spare.

"The weather was going up and down and we didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, Ferrari are incredibly quick this weekend.

"I didn't know whether or not I had the pole. The last lap wasn`t that great, if I'm honest. I had a bit of understeer in a few places," added the Briton, who has five stars and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna`s design on his helmet.

He was the only one to improve on his final flying lap, after earlier securing provisional pole, with the&nbsp;best time of one minute 07.281 seconds -- a track record and more than a second quicker than last year's pole.&nbsp;

Hamilton and Vettel provided the main talking points of the session, with the former fortunate to escape the immediate attention of the stewards after nearly colliding with the Williams of Russian Sergey Sirotkin in the second phase.

Raikkonen also had to swerve to avoid him in another incident.

Vettel`s summons by the stewards was inevitable after he was called in for weighing at a critical point in the second phase with rain threatening, making it crucial to get in an early timed lap.

With a cone barring access to the weighbridge, he drove into it and then gesticulated angrily for officials to hurry up, before driving off again in a breach of the regulations.

The governing FIA said that by keeping the engine running he had made it hard to get a stable result and by driving off rather than being pushed he had also `destroyed` their equipment.

"They shouldn't call us when the conditions are changing like that, I think it's unfair if somebody gets pulled in. I wanted them to hurry up," said Vettel.

Stewards handed the four-time world champion a reprimand for failing to follow instructions, his first of the season, and a 25,000 euros ($28,335.00) fine.&nbsp;

Before the summons, it looked like Ferrari had pulled off a tactical masterstroke as the only team into the final phase on soft tyres, rather than the faster but quicker-wearing super-soft, giving them a potential advantage at the race start.&nbsp;

Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth with Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo sixth but dropping five places due to a penalty for having a turbocharger replaced.

That will lift Sauber pairing Marcus Ericsson and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to sixth and seventh, the latter producing a phenomenal lap to get into the final phase in tricky conditions with time running out.

Haas's Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will start eighth and 10th respectively with Toro Rosso`s Pierre Gasly sandwiched in between.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside. The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship. Mercedes will seal the constructors title on Sunday unless Ferrari outscores them by 13 points. Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas, who was on pole in Brazil last year, qualified third with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen fourth on an all-Finnish second row. "That was a tough qualifying session," gasped a delighted Hamilton, who had never previously managed to take a pole in a season after winning the title with races to spare. "The weather was going up and down and we didn't really know what to expect. Obviously, Ferrari are incredibly quick this weekend. "I didn't know whether or not I had the pole. The last lap wasn`t that great, if I'm honest. I had a bit of understeer in a few places," added the Briton, who has five stars and the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna`s design on his helmet. He was the only one to improve on his final flying lap, after earlier securing provisional pole, with the best time of one minute 07.281 seconds -- a track record and more than a second quicker than last year's pole. Hamilton and Vettel provided the main talking points of the session, with the former fortunate to escape the immediate attention of the stewards after nearly colliding with the Williams of Russian Sergey Sirotkin in the second phase. Raikkonen also had to swerve to avoid him in another incident. Vettel`s summons by the stewards was inevitable after he was called in for weighing at a critical point in the second phase with rain threatening, making it crucial to get in an early timed lap. With a cone barring access to the weighbridge, he drove into it and then gesticulated angrily for officials to hurry up, before driving off again in a breach of the regulations. The governing FIA said that by keeping the engine running he had made it hard to get a stable result and by driving off rather than being pushed he had also `destroyed` their equipment. "They shouldn't call us when the conditions are changing like that, I think it's unfair if somebody gets pulled in. I wanted them to hurry up," said Vettel. Stewards handed the four-time world champion a reprimand for failing to follow instructions, his first of the season, and a 25,000 euros ($28,335.00) fine. Before the summons, it looked like Ferrari had pulled off a tactical masterstroke as the only team into the final phase on soft tyres, rather than the faster but quicker-wearing super-soft, giving them a potential advantage at the race start. Red Bull's Max Verstappen qualified fifth with Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo sixth but dropping five places due to a penalty for having a turbocharger replaced. That will lift Sauber pairing Marcus Ericsson and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc to sixth and seventh, the latter producing a phenomenal lap to get into the final phase in tricky conditions with time running out. Haas's Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will start eighth and 10th respectively with Toro Rosso`s Pierre Gasly sandwiched in between.

Motor Racing: Lewis Hamilton on pole in Brazil, Vettel alongside

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula One world championship</a> on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place.

The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth.

"I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home.

"It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support.

"Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over.

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Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... <a href="https://t.co/U02N19GX8J">https://t.co/U02N19GX8J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LHFive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LHFive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> 📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Motors_images?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Motors_images</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROLGAnD3nR">pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR</a>
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"In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil.

"This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'.

"I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner.

"I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment.

"Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit." Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place. The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth. "I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home. "It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support. "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over. Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... https://t.co/U02N19GX8J#LHFive @MercedesAMGF1 📷 @Motors_images pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 28, 2018 × "In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil. "This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'. "I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner. "I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment. "Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Lewis Hamilton thanks 'amazing' team, family after winning F1 championship

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit.

"We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session.

Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare.

Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace.

Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon.

Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch.

Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions.

The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual.

"The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others."

Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop.

Fangio's Five

Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear.

"We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton.

"Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race."

Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon.

"I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German.

"I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape.

"It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards."

Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem. Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit. "We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session. Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare. Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace. Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon. Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch. Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions. The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual. "The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others." Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop. Fangio's Five Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear. "We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton. "Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race." Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon. "I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German. "I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape. "It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards." Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen fastest in Mexican Grand Prix practice

Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one.

The German must now win all three remaining races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of beating Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, and that will still not be enough on its own.

Hamilton, the winner of nine races this year to the German's five, has a 70 point advantage after Sunday's US&nbsp;Grand Prix and needs to score only five more to become a five-time champion.

He will not even need those if&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;falls short of perfection.

British bookmaker William Hill was offering Hamilton at 1-500 with&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;50-1 -- the German on the same odds as Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio or George Clooney becoming the next US&nbsp;president.

Realistically, it is all over and the coronation is likely to come in Mexico City next weekend.

The last time Hamilton went three races in a row without scoring at least five points was in 2012, when he was at McLaren and failed to finish in Valencia, was eighth in Britain and retired in Germany.

It has never happened in his time at Mercedes, and Hamilton has not had three races in a row off the podium in a single season since 2013.

Vettel&nbsp;has not won three races in a row since he was at Red Bull in 2013.

Ferrari last won in Mexico in 1990 -- admittedly not as dramatic as it sounds because that race was not held from 1993 to 2014 -- and have never triumphed in Abu Dhabi in that grand prix's nine-year existence.

Asked about his championship chances after starting fifth in Austin and dropping to 15th following a first lap spin before he eventually finished fourth,&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;smiled.

"Getting slimmer," the German, whose teammate Kimi Raikkonen won the race with Hamilton third, replied.

The grim humour continued when it was pointed out to him that he had to win the last three races: "Yeah, probably the last four or five," he said.

"So far we didn’t do so well. Obviously, the last couple of months haven’t been very good for us in many regards.

"I had another recovery drive (on Sunday) but I’m getting a bit tired of recovery drives."

On the plus side, Austin showed that Ferrari had at least regained some of their speed to end Hamilton's bid for a fifth win in a row.

That, however, was largely due to discarding some recent changes and reverting to what worked before.

"You can see it as good news but you can also see it as bad news. If we have to go back to a car that has been competitive three or four months ago, then surely it can’t be good news. If you think about it," said&nbsp;Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one.

Sebastian Vettel would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one. The German must now win all three remaining races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of beating Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, and that will still not be enough on its own. Hamilton, the winner of nine races this year to the German's five, has a 70 point advantage after Sunday's US Grand Prix and needs to score only five more to become a five-time champion. He will not even need those if Vettel falls short of perfection. British bookmaker William Hill was offering Hamilton at 1-500 with Vettel 50-1 -- the German on the same odds as Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio or George Clooney becoming the next US president. Realistically, it is all over and the coronation is likely to come in Mexico City next weekend. The last time Hamilton went three races in a row without scoring at least five points was in 2012, when he was at McLaren and failed to finish in Valencia, was eighth in Britain and retired in Germany. It has never happened in his time at Mercedes, and Hamilton has not had three races in a row off the podium in a single season since 2013. Vettel has not won three races in a row since he was at Red Bull in 2013. Ferrari last won in Mexico in 1990 -- admittedly not as dramatic as it sounds because that race was not held from 1993 to 2014 -- and have never triumphed in Abu Dhabi in that grand prix's nine-year existence. Asked about his championship chances after starting fifth in Austin and dropping to 15th following a first lap spin before he eventually finished fourth, Vettel smiled. "Getting slimmer," the German, whose teammate Kimi Raikkonen won the race with Hamilton third, replied. The grim humour continued when it was pointed out to him that he had to win the last three races: "Yeah, probably the last four or five," he said. "So far we didn’t do so well. Obviously, the last couple of months haven’t been very good for us in many regards. "I had another recovery drive (on Sunday) but I’m getting a bit tired of recovery drives." On the plus side, Austin showed that Ferrari had at least regained some of their speed to end Hamilton's bid for a fifth win in a row. That, however, was largely due to discarding some recent changes and reverting to what worked before. "You can see it as good news but you can also see it as bad news. If we have to go back to a car that has been competitive three or four months ago, then surely it can’t be good news. If you think about it," said Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel clings on mathematically for another week

US Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton's title hopes boosted by Vettel's grid drop

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